PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AFC : Dolphins Lose Tackle Heller to Surgery

Miami tackle Ron Heller underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees, which means ailing quarterback Dan Marino must rely on rookie Billy Milner for protection Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Milner, the Dolphins’ first-round draft choice last April, will make his first NFL start in place of Heller. Marino returns after sitting out the last two games because of hip and knee injuries.

It’s uncertain how long Heller, who had loose cartilage removed, will be out, Coach Don Shula said.

*

Three-time Pro Bowl running back Barry Foster, 26, who quit the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, said his immediate plans include staying away from football and spending time with family and friends.

“I thought I wanted to hear the cheers from a crowded stadium,” Foster said in Dallas. “I was fooling myself that I wanted to play.

“I wish I had everything planned and figured out. But right now, I’m just going to try to take the time with my family and enjoy that and leave it in God’s hands. He’ll show me the way.”