Fiedler, Carter both making returns to Metrodome

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Cris Carter isn't the only member of the Miami Dolphins who will feel at home in the Metrodome.

Jay Fiedler, now Miami's starting quarterback, was a little-known, little-used third-stringer with the Minnesota Vikings in 1998.

Carter will make a far more emotional return on Saturday afternoon. The record-setting wide receiver came out of retirement and joined the Dolphins in November after 12 seasons with the Vikings.

Some of the seeds for Fiedler's success were planted in '98, when the Vikings went 15-1 with Randall Cunningham and Brad Johnson as the top two quarterbacks.

"I thought he could be a starting quarterback when he was in Minnesota," Carter said. "You could tell he had a lot of qualities. It was a matter of just getting experience and someone giving him the opportunity.

"That's what a lot of young quarterbacks really don't have. People say, 'Well, they were never a starter.' Well, at some point, someone has to make them a starter."

Miami (9-5) can clinch the AFC East title with a win and a loss or tie by New England against the New York Jets. The Dolphins might've had that done by now if Fiedler hadn't gotten hurt.

He broke his thumb Oct. 13 and didn't start again until Dec. 9. With Ray Lucas as the starter, the Dolphins lost four of six.

Now Fiedler is back, Ricky Williams -- who should take over the NFL rushing lead with Kansas City's Priest Holmes injured -- is running all over everybody and Miami is back on stride.

The Dolphins are tied with Oakland, Tennessee and Indianapolis for the AFC's best record.