MIAMI -- The 23-17 victory Sunday over the Oakland Raiders was a costly one for the Miami Dolphins, as the team lost starting left guard Jamie Nails to a ruptured left Achilles, with the freak injury incurring in the final minute of play as the victors were merely running out the clock.

Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said Monday that Nails will undergo surgery in the next few days and likely need "five-to-six months of rehabilitation."

A fifth-year veteran, but with only 22 starts entering the 2002 season, Nails has been a pleasant surprise for Miami this year after not playing in the NFL at all in 2001. His most extensive action before this season was in 2000, as he started 16 games for the Buffalo Bills at right guard. He started the first 14 games of this season.

"It's a shame, because he's worked so hard, and here's a guy who really wants to play the game," said Miami offensive line coach Tony Wise. "You feel so bad for him. Jamie really has played with great heart."

Nails, 25, had a tremendous training camp and his performance allowed the Dolphins staff to move left guard Mark Dixon to left tackle. Miami tailback Ricky Williams several times this year lauded Nails for his in-line blocking.

The 335-pound Nails limped to the trainer's room with his head down after the game and acknowledged the injury was a devastating one.

"This just crushes me," Nails said. "All I want to be able to do is go out and play with these guys next week. And I can't do it."

Wise said that rookie Seth McKinney, a third-round selection and Miami's highest choice in the 2002 draft, would move into the starting lineup. While switching Dixon back inside to guard, and elevating Marcus Spriggs to left tackle might be one option, Wise said it probably will not be considered.

"At this point in the season, with the way we practice and who's lining up where in practice, it doesn't make sense to do that," Wise said. "So we just go with Seth, who is as well prepared as anybody, and move forward."

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.