With the Dolphins at the season's midpoint, key spring decisions will be shaped by the final eight games. Five questions needing clarity:

• Should Anthony Fasano be a long-term starter, or should Miami try to upgrade at tight end?

Fasano, whose run blocking has improved, is on pace for just 28 catches, 226 yards and two touchdowns -- below his 2008 numbers (34, 454, seven touchdowns). He also has two fumbles and two drops. The Dolphins are intrigued by the idea of adding a top receiving tight end (they like Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham), but Fasano's performance will help determine if the position needs addressing.

Even if competition is acquired, Fasano has a good chance of returning, and Miami also likes how Joey Haynos has developed. If there's no new labor agreement by February (meaning no salary cap next season), Fasano would be a restricted free agent, not unrestricted.

• Which receivers will make a case to stick around another year?

The Dolphins likely will add at least one receiver next offseason, and these eight games are an audition for the current group.

The Dolphins are expected to consider trades for Ted Ginn Jr. after the season, but he could stick if he finishes strong. The Dolphins like Brian Hartline, but the jury is out on Patrick Turner. Greg Camarillo is reliable and cheap ($1.15 million in 2010 and 2011), and inexpensive Davone Bess will not be a restricted free agent until after 2010.

• Do the Dolphins need to add another starting-caliber linebacker for 2010?

Jason Taylor has been very good, but this group must make more big plays. There's some sentiment internally that a play-making inside linebacker would help. But Miami likes Channing Crowder -- coach Tony Sparano said he sees Pro Bowl potential. And the Dolphins consider Akin Ayodele, who is due $3.25 million in 2010, to be reliable.

Outside linebacker is more complicated, with Matt Roth set for free agency (restricted if there's no new labor deal) and Taylor on a one-year deal. Taylor should return if he finishes strongly, but the Dolphins likely will draft a pass-rushing linebacker to groom for his or Joey Porter's spot.

Porter's future will become a question if he doesn't pick up his play. He is due a $1 million roster bonus by March 7, and $2.4 million of his $3.6 million base salary in 2010 is guaranteed. Slowed by a knee injury, Porter is on pace for just 24 tackles -- he had 65 and 47 his first two years here -- and five sacks, after averaging 9.5 the past five years. He's due $4.5 million in 2011, his deal's last year.

• Will Gibril Wilson justify being kept at $3.9 million next season -- his nonguaranteed salary?

If the Dolphins cut him next spring, they would accelerate the cap hit on his $5 million signing bonus. But that's irrelevant if there's no cap. Wilson could stick with a strong finish, but Chris Clemons' play will be a factor. Yeremiah Bell ($1.9 million in 2010) assuredly will return.

• Does Jason Ferguson continue his strong play and return in 2010, or do the Dolphins try to get younger?

Figure on the Dolphins wanting Ferguson back unless his body breaks down -- he has said he will play in 2010 only if Miami wants him. He has missed only one 2009 game (last Sunday's because of an elbow injury), but he turns 35 on Nov. 28 and his foot has given him trouble.

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