The Miami Dolphins drafted DeVante Parker with the expectation that he would form a top receiving duo with Jarvis Landry. Coming out of Louisville, Parker was billed as one of the best and worthy of the first-round pick. He began to show flashes of that talent in rookie mini camp and OTAs until a foot injury ended things before they truly began. Now the Dolphins are uncertain when the receiver will hit the field.
Originally, the Dolphins were hopeful that Parker would be healthy come Week 1. He underwent surgery on June 5 with the expectations that he would be ready to play the Washington Redskins in the season open. However, with just six weeks until that game, the Dolphins have no idea when Parker will be fully healthy.
According to James Walker of ESPN.com, the Dolphins are no longer putting a time table on Parker's return. The wide receiver had to have a screw inserted in his foot, a similar surgery that Atlanta Falcons' receiver Julio Jones underwent which kept him out 11 weeks. Head coach Joe Philbin was hesitant to say whether or not Parker would be back any time soon, leaving a hole in the Dolphins' roster.
"It's hard to say; we're not sure exactly when he's going to get back," Philbin said, via ESPN.com. "I don't know if he's going to practice? How much he's going to practice? If he's going to play in the preseason? Those are all hypotheticals."
Right now, the Dolphins have Landry as their top receiver while Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings compete as well. While the Dolphins have yet to show any interest, there are free agent options available they could look at. At the moment, Reggie Wayne and Wes Welker are the best available. Miami could potentially wait until the first round of roster cuts to try and get quality from another team, but it is not clear as to who would be available. Miami is entering a season with raised expectations and adding another playmaker would not hurt.
One player set to benefit from this could be Jordan Cameron. The tight end is in an offensive system that will benefit his style of play while Tannehill is known to favor the passes over the middle. Cameron recently told the media that he remains hopeful he can get back to Pro Bowl form as he has full confidence in the roster of the Dolphins.
"In my mind I know I can play," Cameron said, via ESPN. "I know I can be a Pro Bowl player. I'm trying to help this team win. Right now I'm not going to set any goals and tell you what I'm going to do in the season. Right now I'm getting better at my craft and that's the only thing I'm focusing on."