Middle linebacker Zach Thomas, the heart and soul of the Miami Dolphins' defense for a decade, will attempt to play the remaining five games of this season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Thomas visited noted Birmingham, Ala., orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews on Monday. Andrews cleared him to return to the field despite the injury. If Thomas can get through practices this week and handle the discomfort, he will try to play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills and wear a harness to limit shoulder movement. Dolphins coaches and team officials have had no comment on Thomas' status for the Buffalo game. Rookie Channing Crowder moved from outside linebacker into the middle to replace Thomas in Sunday's victory over the Oakland Raiders. He will continue in that role if Thomas is unable to return this week.