Coach Tom Cable said the Raiders were looking at ways to get Miller out in pass patterns, particularly on third down, where the Raiders have the worst conversion rate in the NFL. That could mean more double-tight end sets with Tony Stewart staying in, helping chip on Joey Porter, and allowing Miller to get into the secondary.

PLAYER NOTES

--CB Justin Miller was claimed off waivers from the New York Jets after he was cut to make room for Ty Law and could be used immediately on kick returns.

--TE John Madsen was waived to make room for Justin Miller.

--WR Javon Walker missed practice with an ankle injury and Tom Cable termed him as "doubtful" to face Miami. Walker (two catches, 27 yards) was the only wideout to catch a pass against Carolina.

--DE Derrick Burgess (torn triceps) was limited in practice, the first time he has practiced at all since Oct. 6 and raising the possibility he could be utilized as a nickel rusher, if not as a full-time end.

--RB Darren McFadden was limited in practice as he was the previous week on Wednesday and his status is uncertain for Sunday against Miami.

--C Jake Grove (calf) did not practice and is not expected to play, with John Wade taking over as the starting center.

--QB JaMarcus Russell was limited in practice but both Tom Cable and Russell expressed optimism that he could play.

--WR Chaz Schilens was limited in practice with a sprained ankle, but is expected to face Miami.

--WR Ronald Curry, inactive for the first time in a non-injury situation in more than four years, could be active this year if Javon Walker can't play.

--QB Jeff Otis was added to the practice squad because of injuries to JaMarcus Russell and Andrew Walter.

GAME PLAN: Before the Raiders played Carolina, Tom Cable expressed a desire to "get back to who we are" without revealing he had taken over the play-calling. The Raiders ran the ball with moderate success after struggling in previous weeks. On Sept. 30 of last season, the Cable's offensive line had its breakout game with 299 yards in a 35-17 win. Expect an attempt at that kind of attack, with some play-action thrown in against a much tougher Dolphins team. Defensively, the Raiders had success against Carolina but reducing the amount of thinking and having players just handle their responsibilities and react aggressively. Odds are they won't tamper with success. Special teams could include some new blood in waiver claim Justin Miller as a return specialist.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Raiders LT Mario Henderson vs. Dolphins LB Joey Porter. Henderson got 20 snaps last week against Carolina and while he didn't exactly shine, he wasn't a disaster either. That distinction belonged to Harris, who signed during free agency to be the left tackle and whose play has deteriorated of late. In successive weeks, Atlanta's John Abraham and Carolina's Julius Peppers have made the Raiders backfield their playground. Now comes Porter, with Henderson getting the nod. Making things more complicated for Henderson is Porter is coming as an outside linebacker in a 3-4, rather than as an end in a 4-3.

Dolphins WR Ted Ginn vs. Raiders CB Chris Jackson. Ginn has already equaled his reception total from his rookie season through nine games, with 34 catches for 457 yards, although he has just one touchdown. Jackson held up well in his first game in place of the departed DeAngelo Hall against Carolina, and figures to get even more one-on-one tests against Miami, as Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington is unlikely to test Nnamdi Asomugha on the other side. Asomugha has the 11th pass thrown his way all season by Jake Delhomme, intended for Steve Smith, and intercepted it. Jackson is the fastest of Oakland's defensive backs, with Ginn the quickest of Miami's wideouts.

INJURY IMPACT: The hope is McFadden and Burgess can return in at least limited roles. Burgess has missed five games, McFadden the last three. If Burgess can provide pressure as a nickel rusher for a dozen snaps or so, and McFadden could run eight to 10 times and catch a few passes, it could add necessary juice to both sides of the ball. McFadden's absence has made for a plodding Raider attack since Week 2.