The Miami Dolphins are looking to bounce back from a loss to the New England Patriots and get a key division win against the Buffalo Bills. While Ryan Tannehill has been working well with the passing game, the run game could be getting a boost in Week 9. Under head coach Dan Campbell, the run game has become a priority and Lamar Miller is reaping the benefits. Now Jay Ajayi is looking for his turn.
The Dolphins will get Ajayi back on Sunday after the rookie running back was placed on injured reserve following a rib injury in the preseason finale. According to ESPN.com, Ajayi is eligible to play against the Bills and could actually see some significant playing time in the back field. With Miller as the key starter for the team, Ajayi could move right back into the backup role over Jonas Gray who has been more active in the last few weeks. Ajayi simply wants to play.
"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."
The Bills do have a strong run defense with their solid defensive line. That could make for a long day for Miller and Ajayi while forcing Tannehill to throw the ball more. According to the Palm Beach Post, despite missing practice, DeVante Parker is expected to play against the Bills. The wide receiver is still dealing with issues from his foot surgery in the preseason and admits that has been slowing him down.
Parker's contributions on the field have been slim to none. That is not what the Miami Dolphins were expecting when they drafted him in the first round, but it is all they have to work with right now as Kenny Stills and Rishard Matthews are outplaying the rookie. Campbell admitted that he feels no pressure to play the rookie who he says still has some improving to do.
"No, not for me," head coach Dan Campbell said via James Walker of ESPN. "We all know what kind of player he is capable of being just by the talent level that he has, and we're just trying to get him to become the football player that we believe he can be. I mentioned this last week -- he's a flash player right now. As soon as those flashes start showing up a lot more often, that's when you feel good about getting him on the field."