Despite their loss to the New England Patriots, the Miami Dolphins are still a team on the rise as they prepare for a key division matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Dan Campbell is hopeful to keep the team moving in the right direction as there could be lineup changes in the future for Week 9. While Lamar Miller is dominating on the ground, rookie Jay Ajayi is healthy again while DeVante Parker might not be.
When Campbell took over as head coach he was very adamant that the Dolphins get better at running the ball. Miller has been a product of that thriving in the new scheme while Jonas Gray acted as the backup. Now that rushing attack will get a little more dangerous with Ajayi back on the field. According to James Walker of ESPN.com, Ajayi is available to play on Sunday after the fifth-round draft pick landed on injured reserve with a rib injury. Ajayi was a hot player in the preseason. At one point many wondered if he was poised to take over the starting job and now he finally gets to show his talents on Sunday.
"It feels good. It definitely was a different feeling waking up [Monday] morning," Ajayi said, via ESPN.com. "It was a long time coming for sure. I'm just waiting to find out if I will get activated and I'm getting ready to play. I'm ready to get it going. I feel like I'm an all-around back that can also make big plays for this team. I just want to be able to help contribute to our great offense."
It is unclear exactly what Ajayi's impact will be in that first game. He will play backup to Miller. While he still gets into football shape after the injury, Ajayi has the ability to add punch to the ground game after putting up 1,823 yards in his final season at Boise State. He fits perfectly into Campbell's plan.
One player that might not be fitting on the field is Parker who is still feeling lingering effects from his foot injury in the preseason. The rookie receiver has simply not had the impact many believed he would at this point in the year and health could be the reason why. Parker told the media that he still has some pain in his surgically repaired foot, but he is on the mend and plans to be healthy against the Bills. The receiver told the Palm Beach Post that it is merely just some scar tissue causing pain and nothing serious.
The slow development of Parker has prevented the Dolphins from waiving any of their other wide receivers in the crowded position group. ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested that the Dolphins explore trade deals for Rishard Matthews and solely invest in Kenny Stills and Parker to pair with Jarvis Landry. That will not be happening as Matthews continues to thrive in the Dolphins' offense this season as one of Ryan Tannehill's preferred targets.