Miami's offense is not built for the scat backs like Bush and Slaton. Henne will throw the ball more than normal and IMO the value will be at the WR2 and WR3 spots with Bess and Hartline. Slaton just got here, there's no way he takes the place by storm on Sunday. What is disturbing is that Miami is in such bad shape at RB.
Thomas was successful because he can break tackles and move the pile as he did the last two games. Miami doesn't know how to construct a game plan where they would put Bush or Slaton in space. Plus Slaton couldn't pick up yards behind the best OL in the NFL, HTH is he going to make it work behind these guys?
What are we discussing here actually? Playing Slaton on Sunday? I compete in many different leagues and formats but I just can't see this as a good option. You would be better off playing MB III from Chicago this weekend than Slaton. Earnest Graham, Ricky Williams, Roy Helu, John Kuhn...there has to be better options out there.

be a waste to pick-up Slaton (unless very deep leagues) IMO because Thomas will be back sooner than later. If he doesn't play specials then he's not gonna be active ahead of Lex Hilliard. In fact, I'd Hilliard could easily be more involved this week and thus the better start
You don't know that Thomas is coming back sooner than later or that he'll last long when he does return. Problematic recurring hamstring issues often remain problematic for the season.
He was inactive week 1, back at work week 2, your assertion that hammys often remain problems the entire season, point to someone who is a weekly question mark on the IR with hammys.
Slaton averaged 4.3 ypc with the Texans which is not off the charts outstanding but to me makes the comment about him not being able to gain yards with the Texans not exactly accurate either. His job loss and fall from grace had way more to do with health and fumbling issues than on the field performance. The worst he looked on the field was the year he had the ill fated decision to gain weight to handle the feature role.
Slaton was 4 for 8 yds last week. Far cry from 4.3 ypc
No doubt neither Slaton or Reggie are between the tackles runners and the absence of Thomas is going to force them to throw more. Similar to game one against NE but hard to use that one game as a sample size since the NE defense is so leaky but still you can't dismiss Reggie catching 9 passes in that game. So again to the comment that Henne will throw more to the WR2 and WR3 I have to say not so fast, I think throwing to the Slaton/Bush would be a massive part of this offense when Thomas is down and still a decent part of the offense when Thomas is healthy.
Slaton was just signed, people are setting the bar a bit high right now. We saw the Slaton story already where a guy was playing with superior surrounding talent per what he presently has and that guy's name is Reggie Bush. His starter spot lasted 1 week.
I'm not saying Slaton is usable this week, I know I'd not use him. But I'm certainly not dismissive of his role growing as the season progresses and in deeper leagues I'd absolutely try and roster him.