--TE Tony Gonzalez, whose request to be traded to a playoff contender earlier this year was not accommodated, talked this week like he might be back in Kansas City next year working for a new general manager. "I don't know what will happen in the offseason, especially now in light of what's happened to Carl (Peterson)," Gonzalez said. "We don't know about the general manager, we don't know about the coaching staff, we don't know about me coming back. But remember, I'm still under contract here, so the only way I'm out is if they want to trade me."

--LB Donnie Edwards, who has played in only seven games this year, may have played his last game as a Chief. He missed Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury, the second year he's battled one, and likely won't play against Miami.

GAME PLAN: Kansas City had everything working last week against San Diego -- right up until they gave up two touchdowns in the final 1:13 and blew an 11-point lead they had with just under five minutes remaining. They forced three turnovers, controlled the game with a short passing game and effective running game, even got pressure on the opposing quarterback. If they can put those elements together against the Dolphins, they've got a chance on what should be a bitter cold day in which passing will be different. They need to establish a Larry Johnson running threat early, even when working out of the Pistol -- a shorter quarterback starting point than the traditional shotgun.

The Chiefs defensively have to keep Ted Ginn from making big plays -- specifically, turning short routes into long gainers. Limiting the Wildcat also is big, as is holding Miami in check on first downs -- difficult, as the Dolphins are No. 2 league-wide in first down yardage.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Dolphins OLB Joey Porter vs. Chiefs LT Branden Albert. Porter is No. 2 in the league in sacks (17.5), but the Chiefs rookie left tackle has given up only four this year.

Dolphins WR Ted Ginn vs. Chiefs CBs Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr. Chad Pennington's top target after Greg Camarillo's injury, Ginn has an advantage over KC's young corners, even though Flowers, in particular, has held up well when challenged.

INJURY WATCH:

--CB Maurice Leggett, who didn't look like he might play earlier in the week after missing last week's game with a shoulder injury, got in a full workout Thursday and now is on the positive side of questionable for Sunday's game with Miami.

--DE/DT Alfonso Boone, a key component of Kansas City's front-four rotation, missed a second day of practice Thursday with a thigh injury and looks doubtful for the Dolphins game.

--C Rudy Niswanger, who missed last week's San Diego game with a knee injury, was limited for a second straight day at Thursday's practice. Coach Herm Edwards would not rule out Niswanger for this week's Miami game, but he looks doubtful.