The Miami Dolphins are expecting Branden Albert to start and DeVante Parker to play in Week 1 of the season after both players have recovered from injuries. The team is hoping to have Parker in the mix with Lamar Miller, Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, Jordan Cameron and Greg Jennings as the best fantasy football starter options for Ryan Tannehill.
The Dolphins had been very cautious with both Albert and Parker over the summer, as the players each were dealing with serious injuries. Albert tore his ACL and MCL last year and it took him time to return to team activities after a long rehab, while Parker had foot surgery in the summer. According to the Miami Herald, Parker is expected to play on Sunday, possibly in a limited capacity, while Albert will also "return to action" for the Dolphins.
Albert said to the Miami Herald that he has been working with the first team offense and that he has been feeling good regarding his knee. Albert was able to be a full participant in practice this week and that is a major boost for the offensive line. The last two seasons the Dolphins offensive line has been inconsistent and with Albert coming back, the left tackle position is no longer an issue. Albert's backup Jason Fox is dealing with a concussion and that makes Albert's return even more important for the Dolphins.
Parker's return is also important for the Dolphins and the team said that the "plan" all along was to have Parker back by Week 1 after foot surgery. Parker coming back is not as essential for the Dolphins, as they have some solid depth with Jarvis Landry, Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills at receiver. Having Parker back in any capacity is a plus for Ryan Tannehill, as Parker showed some great potential early in the summer before he was injured.
Parker is going to help make up for the loss of Mike Wallace, who was traded to the Vikings in the offseason. The Dolphins have high expectations for the season and for Parker, as he was a first round pick and is considered an explosive player at receiver. Landry had a breakout season as a rookie and the team is hoping that Parker can have an impact like that as well. Jordan Cameron was signed in the offseason and he is a strong fantasy football starter option for Tannehill at tight end.
The Dolphins have Parker coming back, but another rookie in Jay Ajayi will be out for half the season. Ajayi suffered a rib injury in the preseason and he was placed on the IR with designation to return and now that will keep him out for a while. Lamar Miller was always going to be the starter and now the Dolphins have added Jonas Gray to the mix, signing him to the practice squad. For the first game Miller will have LaMichael James and Damien Williams as his backups.
