DeVante Parker and Jay Ajayi did not have the starts to the season they were hoping for. Both Miami Dolphins' rookies began the season injured and sitting on the sidelines. Parker underwent foot surgery after rookie minicamp while Ajayi suffered a rib injury that placed him on short-term injured reserve. However, over the past few weeks, both players have been thriving in the offense as they could begin to dictate who stays and who goes in the upcoming offseason.
Parker has suddenly found his form. In place of the injured Rishard Matthews, Parker once again turned in a big performance for the Dolphins in Week 13 that was capped off with a nice 38-yard touchdown. That was the second consecutive game that Parker put up a score as the rookie begins to show what the Dolphins were hoping to get from him drafting him in the first round. Despite the slow start, Parker is looking more and more like a franchise star as he gains confidence. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill told the media that a fully healthy Parker is dangerous.
"I have a lot of confidence in DeVante," Tannehill said, via the Palm Beach Post. "I know he's struggled with injuries which is tough. You come in obviously a great college career and he wanted to step right in and he has the talent to - he's just been hindered by that foot. It's tough to see a guy that you know has talent and can help the team not be able to be out on the field. I've tried to just give him my confidence knowing when he's back healthy and not bothered by that foot that I have confidence he's going to make plays for us."
Parker was big in Week 13. According to James Walker of ESPN.com, Kenny Stills suffered an ankle injury in the win over the Baltimore Ravens which does not pair well with the injury to Matthews. Parker's continues to show he is a star in the making which could dictate certain futures as Matthews plays on an expiring contract and will command more money in the offseason.
Could Lamar Miller suffer the same fate? Ajayi has made an impact each time he gets on the field. While Miller has proven he can be the workhorse, Ajayi is showing he is a playmaker to take serious. His two-point conversion in Week 13 was critical to the win over the Ravens. According to the Miami Herald, the chances Miller returns are high, but his contract demands must be reasonable. The running back did up his value this season and could take a chance looking to cash in. The Dolphins need to rebuild in other areas and have no plans on overpaying to keep Miller when Ajayi is improving.