The Miami Dolphins lost leading receiver and scorer Keith Byars for the rest of the season during their last-minute victory over Indianapolis.
Byars, a 9-year veteran, needs major reconstructive surgery on his right knee, coach Don Shula said Monday.Sunday, as Miami topped the Colts with a thrilling 22-21 finish, James Saxon stepped in for Byars and had a career-high eight catches for 34 yards.
Saxon will start in Byars' absence, Shula said, and Miami's staff will discuss working recently acquired Cleveland Gary in at fullback this week in practice as insurance.
Byars has been Miami's top receiver with 49 catches and its touchdown leader with seven. His two receptions Sunday extended his catching streak of at least one pass to 111 consecutive regular-season games.
Sunday, the 260-pound fullback was upended by Colts cornerback Damon Watts after catching a short pass in the flat early in the second quarter.
An MRI showed tears of Byars' anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, along with torn cartilage. Rehabilitation for such an extensive injury normally takes at least a year.
"I'm disappointed that I can't finish the season," Byars said in a statement released by the Dolphins.
"We were playing well and I wanted to be a part of a championship team. Now I guess I'll only be a half part of a championship team, but I'll be with the guys mentally the rest of the way, if not physically."