Hayes, Grant back at practice; Parker out

DAVIE — One Miami Dolphins player made his return to practice for the first time in a month on Wednesday, while another was the only player from the official roster missing during the team’s first practice before the season opener.

Defensive end William Hayes, an 11-year veteran, was a full participant in practice for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury on Aug. 2.

Hayes’ return could bode well for the Dolphins’ rushing defense as Miami prepares to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Hard Rock Stadium.

“We held him out more because we wanted to make sure he was as close to 100 percent,” Gase said of Hayes. “He’s going to be ready to go.”

Dolphins receiver DaVante Parker, however, did not practice as he is still recovering from a broken middle finger on his right hand. Parker suffered the injury during preseason practice on Aug. 12.

Gase said the team has not yet tried to see if Parker can catch passes, which may be an indicator of his availability for the opener.

“We’re still kinda waiting to see how he feels regarding catching balls and stuff like that,” Gase said of Parker. “He’s doing a lot of cardio stuff. He’s doing a lot of individual-type things with our staff. Once we get the green light, we’ll go at it.”

The Dolphins should be encouraged by the return of receiver/return man Jakeem Grant.

Grant, Miami’s primary returner on special teams entering his third season, remains in concussion protocol, but was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. Grant has been sidelined since the Dolphins’ third preseason game against the Ravens on Aug. 25.

The Dolphins said running back Frank Gore (Achilles) and offensive guard Josh Sitton (shoulder) were also full participants in practice, while tight end MarQueis Gray (foot) and offensive guard Ted Larsen (knee) were limited.