Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Dolphins' Thomas expected back before start of regular season

MIAMI -- Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Zach Thomas may miss a couple of exhibition games but is expected to be 100 percent by the start of the regular season following arthroscopic knee surgery.

Thomas hurt his left knee during drills Thursday and underwent surgery Friday to repair torn cartilage. He faces a six-week rehabilitation and is expected to be available for the final two preseason games, his agent said Saturday.

"It's not a serious injury, but Zach has to allow a certain amount of time to heal or it becomes a lingering condition," agent Drew Rosenhaus said.

Thomas, a five-time Pro Bowler, has led the Dolphins in tackles seven of the past eight years.