The Miami Dolphins are not meeting the expectations placed upon them at the start of the season as the team has just four wins on the season and is coming off back-to-back losses. With coaches moving around within the organization, the Dolphins are trying to find some kind of momentum heading into a game against the Baltimore Ravens. Rishard Matthews might not be there to help out as DeVante Parker could be the spark the Dolphins need.
According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Matthews might not be cleared to play against the Ravens after the receiver suffered a rib injury against the New York Jets. That could be a big blow for the Dolphins who have benefitted from the rise of Matthews this season. His role has expanded throughout the season and interim head coach Dan Campbell noted that he was not certain Matthews could get on the field in time to play on Sunday.
If Matthews is unable to play, another big role for Parker is expected. The rookie receiver filled in for Matthews against the Jets and had the best game of his season with four catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. The first-round draft pick participated on 82 percent of the team's snaps when Matthews went down and that will continue if the receiver is not healthy enough to play. Parker's rookie season has not been what the Dolphins were hoping for after drafting him in the first round. He dropped to No.5 on the depth chart upon his return from injury, but this could be his moment to prove that he can be the star Miami wanted.
"It's very tough," Parker said, via the Palm Beach Post. "You want to be out there with your brothers just making plays, and just things happen. You want to go out and produce. I have it in me. It's just a matter of time if I'm going to be able to be on the field like that. Whenever your name's called you just got to go out and make the play."
The Dolphins need more than consistency from Parker. The run game struggled once again as Lamar Miller continues his downward slide. However, the biggest issue of all might be Ryan Tannehill. Entering the season, the quarterback was the main reason for optimism after the Dolphins gifted him with a $96 million contract. The issue is that the Dolphins are 4-7 on the season and Tannehill is 27-32 as a starter over four seasons. He continues to struggle with consistency as quarterbacks like Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Fitzpatrick outperform him each week. Given his contract, Tannehill will be the face of the franchise for at least another two seasons or more. The Dolphins could keep struggling as a result.