The hobbling Miami Dolphins looked like a troupe of unusually muscular improv artists on Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers.

As injuries mounted, reinforcements shuttled in and out. Understudies took over for stars. Others filled in at unfamiliar spots. Nate Garner gave the most creative role-playing performance. Trained as a tackle, he started at left guard, shifted to right tackle, then switched to center, a position he had never played before.

It was kind of like asking a pianist to play the organ -- in the middle of a concert.

With run-stopping specialist Jason Ferguson officially out for the season after Monday's announcement by coach Tony Sparano, the 5-5 Dolphins must continue their resourceful ways against Buffalo on Sunday if they hope to make the playoffs.

``That's what happens when it's Week 12,'' Sparano said of the attrition of an NFL season. ``If you start feeling sorry for yourself, you are going to be on the wrong end of a real good butt-kicking.''

While many Dolphins players spent their past three days off healing, Sparano got to watch his son play in his final college football game. He was asked if his son could now play on Miami's offensive line. He responded with a chuckle.

Sparano has six players on injured reserve, including two captains, and would love some extra help. But he's pleased with the versatile, resilient crew on his roster. Mid-November, six games to go, is no time to count bruises. Those who aren't incapacitated are expected to play through the dings and dents.

``We talk about the right 53 people and I think we kept the right 53 people,'' he said.

HANDYMEN AVAILABLE

The Dolphins are counting on toughness to trump AFC foes' talent in their quest for a postseason date. Sparano mentioned his surplus of offensive linemen. He talked about defensive backs Nate Jones, Jason Allen and Tyrone Culver like they are handymen ``who can do some jobs.'' He praised hard-running Lex Hilliard, who was groomed on the practice squad. If the Dolphins got lucky with their paucity of injuries last season, they are paying the price this year. Yet compared to Buffalo, they can't complain -- and they won't.

``Last year was a fluke by NFL standards,'' said Justin Smiley, who is nursing a bad shoulder. ``Last week we were dropping like flies. Human nature is to look for a way out, an answer, but coaches and upper management don't allow excuses. You've just got to make adjustments.''

That's what happened in the 24-17 win at Carolina when center Jake Grove went out with an ankle injury and Joe Berger took his place. Then Berger went down, Garner moved over and Smiley played hurt so Ricky Williams could keep running.

Ferguson went out with a quadriceps injury and his backup, Paul Soliai, was sidelined with an ankle injury, so Troy McDaniel and Randy Starks picked up the slack.

All over the field, Miami's young players are getting opportunities, and they will have to seize them as the season grinds into its final third.

Quarterback Chad Henne has reduced his ``minus plays,'' Sparano said. Pat White has got to step up to absorb some of Ronnie Brown's Wildcat duties. Cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, who learned on the fly against Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, will have their hands full against Terrell Owens. Tight end Kory Sperry and wide receiver Brian Hartline have to keep learning from mentors such as Anthony Fasano and Greg Camarillo.

ADAPTING QUICKLY

``When I got to the NFL I didn't think people would expect much of the rookies,'' Smith said. ``But we have had to improve quickly, get our mistakes out of the way and adapt to becoming a starter.''

As Sperry put it: ``You cannot miss a beat or you will not be trusted.''

Looking on the bright side, the Dolphins' injuries have revealed some gems. Cornerback Will Allen was leading the team in penalties. Henne's ascension was accelerated without any awkward dithering over or demotion of Chad Pennington. And Matt Roth is back, but in his absence, other linebackers proved they were better.

In the NFL, Thanksgiving marks the time when torn-up teams either find a way to overcome injuries or fade from the playoff picture. Sparano and his battered players, rising from an 0-3 start, can still quilt something beautiful.