Miami Dolphins DeVante Parker ready for opener

Lost in the league wide cuts and the meaningless fourth pre-season game was the appearance of Miami Dolphins first round pick DeVante Parker. Parker finally made his NFL debut Thursday night and while he didn’t blow up the game he surely made an impact. If not on the field in his recovery.

More from Dolphins News

• 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
• Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
• 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
• Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
• The Miami Dolphins should not take a running back in the draft

Parker has missed all of the off-season work after undergoing surgery on his foot to replace a pin that was inserted last season in college. Parker had complained of pain in his foot during team OTA’s and upon review of the issue it was discovered that the pin was causing the issue. Since replaced the question of when Parker would play had been on the minds of the coaches and Dolphins fans. Not anymore.

The first pass to Parker was incomplete. McLeod Bethel-Thompson‘s throw was at his ankles and behind him but he later caught a pass for an 11 yard gain. His night was done after that. Today, Parker commented on his via James Walker of ESPN.

"“It feels good to be back on the field again,” Parker said. “I wasn’t thinking about my foot at all. My foot feels good, so I just gotta start playing.”"

Parker added that while he doesn’t feel 100% he feels that he is getting close.

He may return to the field next week against the Redskins but it’s highly unlikely that he will start. Especially given the amount of missed time this off-season. The main issue aside from his recovery is his knowledge of the offense and his ability to read defensive coverages. An important piece in his rapport with Ryan Tannehill. The two have simply missed a lot of time.

The Dolphins will probably have to wait a month and maybe two before they really get to see what they have with Parker. By the 2nd half of the season Parker should be up to speed, his recovery should be complete, and he and Ryan Tannehill will have had plenty of time to develop chemistry. The news is also good in that regard because tape on him could be minimal giving the Dolphins an unused weapon on offense.

Of course that timetable is strictly conjecture and Parker will see plenty of time throughout the first month of the season it’s just not realistic to have high expectations out of the gate. Parker has a long way to go before he is the threat that Miami perceives him as but he is getting there. Thursday night was the first step in getting Parker back on the field and while one catch is hardly inspiring, his ability to get back into the fold is.

Parker is one of the best options for Tannehill. He is not a speed burning wide-receiver buy has very good size and excellent hands. As Tannehill and Parker mold and shape the offense together the team will inevitably get better. For now the wondering is about over and Parker can start answering questions not related to his foot injury. He can start answering questions, on the field, about his abilities to help this team score more points.

It’s a great sign that Parker was on the field if for only a very short time but it’s a short time that has been a long time in the making.