MIAMI -- The New York Jets will be without starting tight end Dustin Keller for a second consecutive week.
Keller, battling a hamstring injury, didn't make the trip to Miami, the team announced Saturday. It means that Jeff Cumberland will start again, with Konrad Reuland and Dedrick Epps playing backup roles.
The Jets released linebacker Bryan Thomas after the 11-year veteran had been listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury, opening a roster spot for Sunday's game.
The Jets filled it by signing cornerback Donnie Fletcher off the practice squad. Fletcher will be dressed for Sunday's game, a league source said.
Thomas, the Jets' first-round pick of the 2002 draft, 22nd overall, was a vested veteran whose $900,000 salary was guaranteed after he made the opening-day roster. He was the Jets' longest-tenured player.
While the move makes Thomas a free agent, a source said the Jets plan on re-signing him.
He will be replaced in the starting defense by Garrett McIntyre.
Keller had practiced on a limited basis Thursday, expressing optimism that he'd be able to play. But he didn't practice Friday and was listed as questionable.
The Jets will miss Keller, who's had some of his better games against the Dolphins. In his last five games against them, he produced 26 receptions and four touchdowns.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
