The Miami Dolphins were one of the biggest spenders in NFL free agency this offseason and they hope that pays off in the win column. However, early injuries have already set the team back during training camp while making way for other players to step forward and improve. With DeVante Parker out until at least the start of the season or longer, injuries to players like Kenny Stills could have Jordan Cameron heading back into the spotlight.
The Dolphins are hopeful that Parker gets healthy before the start of the season, but that seems unlikely, putting extended pressure on the remaining playmakers to step up for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. So when Stills gets hampered with issues, there is cause for concern. According to the Miami Sun Sentinel, the wide receiver who came to the Dolphins via a trade with the New Orleans Saints is dealing with a calf injury that has him limited in practice. According to head coach Joe Philbin, the issue is not serious, but will cause Stills to be held back for a portion of camp.
That could help other players move into bigger roles, something Cameron is looking for. After making the Pro Bowl in 2013 following a monster year with the Cleveland Browns, the tight end struggled with injuries and quarterback issues that hampered his numbers and caused him to depart in free agency. Now with the Dolphins, Cameron has his sights set on another Pro Bowl appearance.
"In my mind I know I can play," Cameron said, per ESPN.com's James Walker. "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."
The biggest concern for Cameron is his durability and also the strength of the offensive line, something he is expected to assist with. Cameron made it clear that he picked Miami because of the stability at quarterback. The Dolphins locked in Tannehill for the foreseeable future and there is no chance of competition like there was in Cleveland. The quarterback helped make Charles Clay a star and could easily do the same with Cameron.
The run game is also expected to play a huge part in the offense this season. Lamar Miller is expected to be a fantasy standout this season while Jay Ajayi fills in as backup. If all of these parts come together, Miami could be playoff contenders once again.
