DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins receiver Cris Carter will play next Monday night against the Chicago Bears after missing the last four games with a kidney ailment.

Carter, a former Minnesota Vikings star who came out of retirement to play for the Dolphins, will back up starters James McKnight and Chris Chambers, coach Dave Wannstedt said Monday.

He will work out of the slot position along with Dedric Ward when the Dolphins go to three- and four- receiver sets.

"That will give him a chance to get back into it a little bit and won't put as much pressure on him,'' Wannstedt said.

The 37-year-old Carter returned to practice last week and was on the sideline in Miami's 38-21 loss to Buffalo. He had three catches for 31 yards in his only game this season against Green Bay.

He signed with the Dolphins Oct. 21 after starting receiver Oronde Gadsden was lost for the season with a wrist injury. An eight-time Pro Bowler, Carter ranks behind only Jerry Rice in career receptions (1,096) and touchdown catches (129).