The Miami Dolphins are facing bigger expectations than ever before. After making the long-term investment into Ryan Tannehill and spending big in free agency, the Dolphins are considered a team that could be in contention for the playoffs come 2016. However, things already got off to a shaky start when first-round draft pick DeVante Parker went down with a foot injury and is suddenly questionable to start the season. His absence should help Greg Jennings excel as the lone veteran.
The absence of Parker will give Jennings plenty of chances to prove himself worthy of a lot of playing time in 2015. The wide receiver had a quiet stint with the Minnesota Vikings and is now looking to regain his old form with Miami. However, Parker along with Jarvis Landry and Kenny Still could force Jennings to take a backseat in the offense. He stressed he is not concerned about that and is only focused on getting better and staying healthy.
"I'm not concerned about any of that," Jennings said, via the Miami Herald. "I'm concerned about what I can do to help this team win. I'm not concerned with everyone around me when it comes to what I bring to the table. I'm confident in my talents. So when it comes to targets and opportunity, that will all come. I don't think anybody ever feels like they lose anything. Going into my 10th year, there's a lot more miles. [But] my body feels great. Still can catch the ball. Still can run routes. I think every year you have something to prove, not to any outsiders, but just to myself that I can still play this game at a high level."
Jennings will likely be battling Stills for playing time as both Landry and Parker are expected to be starters. The Dolphins are still contenders to add a body before training camp in order to help with the absence of Parker. According to ESPN's John Clayton, the team look at Wes Welker or James Jones who would be quality short-term or long-term additions to the roster. At this point, there can be no harm caused by giving Tannehill another weapon to work with.
Many wonder if the Dolphins would be in the running to sign Ray Rice. Right now, the team will be relying on Lamar Miller as the starter while rookie Jay Ajayi and LaMichael James look for playing time. Miller is certainly not a home run hit for the starting running back spot, so Ajayi and James will have every chance to prove themselves.