When Dolphins wide receiver Greg Camarillo sustained a season-ending knee injury last week against the Patriots, it left an opening for one of three other receivers to slide into a prime position as a starter aside Ted Ginn Jr.

On Sunday, rookie Davone Bess took full advantage of the opportunity.

Bess caught six passes for 84 yards, actually looking much like Camarillo did during his first 11 games as the team's leading receiver. But aside from more repetitions, Bess said he didn't necessarily notice much change in his role Sunday.

''It felt like a normal game,'' Bess said. ``I didn't see a big difference. Similar routes. I think I was just really in a few more plays. I just needed to continue to grow, and I had more opportunities to do that.''

Bess looked smooth on several routes across the middle of the field, but he also was utilized on a deep route on the right sideline that resulted in a 37-yard gain, his longest of the day.

Earlier in the week, coach Tony Sparano expressed concern about how Bess would handle an increased workload. In the past, he has been utilized mostly in third-down situations as a nickel receiver.

Now, in addition to still returning punts, he also was an every-down receiver.

''We wanted to get Davone involved,'' Sparano said. ``It was a chance to evaluate him and see exactly where he is in this full-time role.''

Sparano thought he handled man-to-man coverage very well, adding impressive runs after the catches. Bess, an undrafted rookie free agent, said he never really felt winded.

''I take a lot of reps in practice, so I took that over to the game knowing I had to be physically ready,'' Bess said.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Ernest Wilford was active for just the fourth game this season as a result of Camarillo's absence. He did not catch any passes, although he was in the game as a wide receiver often.

Wilford also played on special teams.

SACK-LESS DAY

Although the Dolphins got pressure on Marc Bulger, especially with the occasional blitz, they were never able to sack Bulger. The return of left tackle Orlando Pace, an aging, but still able player, helped neutralize Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter, the NFL's sack leader entering Sunday.

The Dolphins defense's first sack-less game of the season coincided with the second time this season Miami's offense didn't allow a sack.

J. ALLEN SITS

Dolphins defensive back Jason Allen's right hand injury didn't keep him out of practice this week, but did keep him out of the lineup Sunday. Allen was replaced by Joey Thomas, whom the Rams went after early with big-play receiver Donnie Avery.

Avery drew two flags for pass interference on the first drive, but St. Louis wasn't able to exploit Thomas extensively after that.

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