The Miami Dolphins have taken rookie DeVante Parker off the PUP list in training camp and that is a good sign as he tries to get ready to play Week 1 and this comes as quarterback Ryan Tannehill is excited about starters Jarvis Landry, Kenny stills, Greg Jennings and Parker at the WR position for this season on offense.
The Dolphins made a number of changes and improvements to the roster this offseason, including adding Jennings on a free agent deal and Stills in a trade. Parker was drafted in the first round and the team is expecting him to have a major impact, even after having foot surgery this offseason. According to NFL.com, the Dolphins have taken Parker off of the physically unable to perform list and while the move is considered "procedural" it means that there has been no setbacks for Parker over the last month.
Parker had surgery in June and the Dolphins are hoping to have the rookie back in time to start Week 1 of the season. Parker has started "jogging" in workouts, but he has not been able to practice with the team fully in camp. Tannehill comes in after signing a contract extension and Landry takes over as the number one receiver with Mike Wallace traded. Jennings and Stills will get the chance to play a lot and Parker's recovery will dictate how much time is split up between the WRs.
Check here for more on Parker coming off of the list.
The team has Kenny Stills back in practice after he was dealing with a calf injury and he reportedly looked good, with Pro Football Talk reporting that he caught a deep pass in 7-on-7 drills from Tannehill. Stills is one of the new additions to the team and he comes in after being acquired in a trade with the Saints. Last season Stills had 63 catches for 931 yards and three touchdowns.
Rishard Matthews could get in the mix if Parker cannot get back for Week 1 and he previously was in danger of getting released. Last season Matthews had just 12 catches in 14 games after putting up 41 in 2013 and he will be trying to find targets from Tannehill. Landry is coming in after a strong rookie season and the Dolphins reportedly are hopeful that Parker will be ready to play in Week 1. The Dolphins plan on bringing Parker along fast and WRs coach Ken O'Keefe said to the Herald that Parker is expected to "feature" in Week 1 if he is healthy. Parker is coming out of Louisville and should slot in as the number two or three receiver along with Landry and Jennings.
The QB situation behind Tannehill has McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Josh Freeman competing. The two were brought in his offseason as options for competition with Matt Moore. Freeman was just five of 16 in the game against the Bears and he had 76 yards passing with one interception. Bethel-Thompson was not much better with two picks, 71 yards and five of 12 completions and both players will have to show improvement to stick around.
