Saturday, December 15, 2012

Dolphins' Bess to miss game for first time in career

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Davone Bess has been a mark of consistency in his five seasons with the Miami Dolphins, and in more than one way.

A reliable route-runner with good hands, Bess hasn't missed a game (77) his entire career. That streak, however, will come to an end Sunday when the Dolphins host the Jacksonville Jaguars. (photo: photo-gator, Flickr)

Bess, who has near-identical stats as fellow Dolphins wideout Brian Hartline, missed practice all week with a back injury and was officially ruled out Friday. He's expected to be replaced by Marlon Moore, and the three-receiver set will likely be filled out by rookie Rishard Matthews.

Hartline will be in for a busy day. He's been targeted a team-high 108 times this season, while Moore and Matthews have been thrown to a combined 13 times. Dolphins rookie quarterback Tannehill will undoubtedly look to Hartline and tight end Anthony Fasano, as well has his tailbacks, before taking chances with the others.

Bess had accumulated 61 receptions for 778 yards and a touchdown this season.

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