The Miami Dolphins are coming into Week 1 hoping that DeVante Parker and Branden Albert can play and it comes as both players are coming back from injuries this offseason. Jay Ajayi will be out for half the season after cracking a rib and that keeps Lamar Miller the clear starter for Ryan Tannehill.
The Dolphins have high expectations coming into the season after signing Ndamukong Suh to a contract and keeping Ryan Tannehill on a major extension. The Dolphins added Parker in the first round of the draft and after missing the playoffs again last season, the team likely needs to make progress or some changes could be coming to the staff. According to NFL.com, Albert and Parker have both returned to practice and while it has not been confirmed, there is a chance both players could be active for Week 1.
The Dolphins are taking on the Washington Redskins for the first game of the season and with the Washington is looking, a win is something that Miami can leave Week 1 with. The team has the chance to be a factor in the AFC this season, but a loss against the Redskins would not be the best way to start things off. Albert is coming back from ACL and MCL tears from last year and the Dolphins are hoping that he can stay healthy for this season.
Albert has come along slowly in practice with the team and while he has been able to get on the field, he has not quite been ready to slot into the starting lineup yet. According to ESPN.com, doctors have cleared Albert to play, but it has not been confirmed if he will appear in Week 1 of the season. Head coach Joe Philbin said the team will keep an eye on Albert over the next week of practice leading into the first week of NFL games. The Dolphins are hoping that if Albert can't go, his replacement Jason Fox will be ready after dealing with a concussion.
The Dolphins are hoping that Parker can play, even in a limited capacity against the Redskins. Parker is an explosive player and the Dolphins expect him to be the number two receiver with Jarvis Landry once he is fully back. Miami offensive coordinator Bill Lazor said that Parker is making progress and that if he can play, it likely would be on a limited basis. The Dolphins are fairly deep at receiver, as they have Greg Jennings, Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and Rishard Matthews on the depth chart.
The Dolphins will be without rookie Jay Ajayi for the first half of the season, as the team placed the running back on the IR with designation to return list. Ajayi broke a rib in the preseason after rushing for 66 yards in the final game for the Dolphins. Lamar Miller now will remain the starter for Ryan Tannehill ahead of Damien Williams and LaMichael James.
