Marino

Marino left the Miami Dolphins' game Oct. 17 at New England in the first quarter because of the injury and hasn't played since.

He flew Tuesday to Los Angeles to receive a second opinion from specialist Dr. Robert Watkins, who confirmed the assessment of the Dolphins' team doctor that surgery was unnecessary.

"There's a good-news, bad-news situation," said Marino, 38. "I'm going to be able to play again -- we just don't know when. I'm going to be out this week and probably out the next week. We'll re-evaluate it in a couple of weeks and see where we're at."

Damon Huard, who led Miami to victory last week against Philadelphia in his first NFL start, will again replace Marino on Sunday at Oakland. The Dolphins, who lead the AFC East at 5-1, signed veteran Scott Zolak to their roster Wednesday as another backup.

Marino hurt his neck in Miami's victory Oct. 10 at Indianapolis. The pinched nerve created weakness in his shoulder, which has hindered the distance and velocity of his passes.

Marino said his condition has improved in the past few days. He said he'll continue therapy to strengthen his triceps and back muscles.

"The good part is I'm going to be able to play again at some point," he said. "That sad thing is I don't know when. It could be in a couple of weeks, and it might not be."