"The worst possible nightmare that could have happened in the Miami Dolphins' final exhibition game nearly happened.

During Thursday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, starting left tackle Jake Long, a two-time Pro Bowler, had his left knee rolled up on early in the second quarter on a play that ended with linebacker Victor Butler sacking quarterback Chad Henne and forcing a fumble.

Long stayed on the ground for a couple of seconds before walking off without much assistance. He sat on the sidelines for a few minutes before being taken to the trainers table, where he was examined by team doctors. Long left the table after a few minutes, walking off to the bench he sparingly left all game.

After the game, Long said he's fine and is "not concerned" about his injury. When asked about playing in the Buffalo game, he said "I'm confident."

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano, who went against league protocol by playing his starters against the Cowboys, immediately removed Long, Henne, right tackle Vernon Carey, tailbacks Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, and receiver Brandon Marshall from the game on the offense's next series.

Jake Grove, who started 10 games last season and is in a heated battle with Joe Berger to determine who starts at center, didn't play.

Grove suffered a shoulder injury in last Friday's loss to the Falcons, but he practiced all week. However, he didn't make the trip to Dallas.

Earlier this week Sparano said he'd decided who his starting center was, but admitted assuming it was whoever started against the Cowboys (Berger) wouldn't be accurate. "