The Miami Dolphins’ first round pick, DeVante Parker, had surgery on his foot at the beginning of the summer. As a result, he was unable to work with the team in OTAs and training camp.
Armando Salguero, of the Miami Herald, reported yesterday that Parker is going to start practicing with the team next week.
I’m told that barring any setbacks, WR DeVante Parker will join practices at least on a limited basis for first time next week.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) August 27, 2015
Parker hasn’t had much time to gel with Miami’s offense but Coach Philbin has yet to rule him out for Week 1 against the Washington Redskins.
“Well, hopefully. It’s a day-to-day process and all of the reports are positive that, like you said, he’s feeling well and things are moving in the right direction and so we’ll take it a day a time,” Philbin said. “Obviously, we would love to see him get out here as quickly as we can. He’s just starting the running phase. I think every day we’ll learn a little bit more.”
Philbin isn’t the only one hoping to get Parker back on the field, quarterback Ryan Tannehill believes that Parker won’t take long to gel with the offense.
“He’s (DeVante Parker) in the meeting room, he’s focused and learning what he needs to do,” Tannehill explained. “Now, it’s point. I think that’s only going to be defined on how we play throughout the season.”
Parker, who is the first wide receiver taken by the Dolphins since Ted Ginn Jr. was taken ninth overall by the team in 2007, will be joining a loaded receiving core. Miami remodeled their set of receivers by adding Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills to go along with Jarvis Landry, Rishard Matthews, and Matt Hazel.
Parker will offer Miami a true red zone threat at receiver. He has the ability to box out defenders with his big body and make tough catches.
— Jake Mendel (@Mendel_Cover32) August 27, 2015
Often compared to Cincinnati Bengal A.J. Green, Parker has the ability to make plays after the catch, something the Dolphins have lacked in recent years.
— Jake Mendel (@Mendel_Cover32) August 27, 2015
Since the Dolphins are so deep at receiver, it would not be surprising if they decided to take it very slow with Parker. The Dolphins will not need him right away so it may be best if they made sure he was 100 percent before getting a full workload.
Odds are he will get the same treatment Landry got last year with the Dolphins. He will be Miami’s fourth receiver for at least a couple games. This will give him time to understand the playbook and get snaps without getting a heavy workload. Once Parker is fully healthy, he will push Greg Jennings for the starting role along side Stills and Landry.
