Nov. 15, 1999 5:17 PM AP

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) So much for the Miami Dolphins' quarterback controversy.

A 23-3 drubbing Sunday at Buffalo made it clear that Miami needs Dan Marino. What remains unclear is when he might rejoin the lineup.

Marino, sidelined since Oct. 17 because of a pinched nerve in his neck, will fly to Los Angeles on Tuesday for his third visit with neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Watkins. Even if Marino receives clearance to return to practice, it's uncertain whether he would start Sunday against the New England Patriots.

After Marino went to the sideline, Miami (7-2) won four consecutive games. Coach Jimmy Johnson raved about backup Damon Huard and spoke coyly about a potential quarterback controversy. But Huard's limitations were exposed by the Bills, who held Miami to 101 yards and a franchise-low six first downs.

Now, the decision about the starting quarterback hinges solely on when Marino is ready to return. He made considerable improvement last week, but the injury still hindered his throws. Players were off Monday, and their next workout is Wednesday.

"I talked to Dan on Sunday morning, and he said he still did not have full strength," Johnson said. "Until he gets back into practice, I can't evaluate him. It's between him and the doctor as far as when he gets back to practice."

If Marino doesn't return to practice this week, he'll likely also miss the game at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day.

While Johnson doesn't know who will throw the ball Sunday, he has decided who will carry it. Top rusher Cecil Collins is expected to be sidelined for about a month after breaking his left leg at Buffalo, and fellow rookie J.J. Johnson becomes the starter.

"Johnson will get the bulk of the carries," the coach said. "We won't be alternating running backs. Johnson will carry the whole load."

The Dolphins don't have much choice. Because veteran Karim Abdul-Jabbar was traded last month, Miami's only other halfback is Autry Denson, signed Oct. 20 off Tampa Bay's practice squad. Denson has yet to play for the Dolphins.

It's a bleak outlook for a team that has scored just four touchdowns and 52 points in the past four games. Miami still shares the AFC East lead, with both losses to Buffalo, but the Dolphins will be hard-pressed to make the playoffs unless their productivity picks up.

"We're going nowhere if we don't put up points," guard Mark Dixon said. "That's obvious. You've got to score."

Sunday's performance was painfully reminiscent of a 38-3 loss at Denver in the playoffs last season. Buffalo led 16-0 before the Dolphins registered a first down. Miami netted 41 yards on 28 pass plays, including three sacks.

"There were so many three-and-outs, it was ridiculous," guard Kevin Donnalley said. "I've never been around something like that."

Seething in defeat, Johnson cut off his postgame news conference after 45 seconds. On Monday he spoke to reporters for just five minutes, and twice his voice cracked with anger.

"The talent level in this league is so close, and especially with injuries being a factor, that you really can't predict from week to week who has the best team," he said. "We ran into a highly motivated Buffalo team that played extremely well. We had won five straight and were feeling very good about ourselves. We did not play well.

"We do feel like we can rebound. We can make some corrections. We can get back on track."