The agent for receiver DeVante Parker, who was inactive, blasts Gase.
“He is not telling the truth … he continues attacking the health of my client, and this is not acceptable.” —Jimmy Gould, DeVante Parker’s agent, on Dolphins coach Adam Gase’s postgame comments
MIAMI GARDENS — The agent for Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker questioned the “incompetence” of coach Adam Gase following Sunday’s game, in which Parker was inactive for the fifth time this season.
Parker, whose name has been swirling in NFL trade rumors in the past few weeks, was a full participant in Dolphins practice last week, but was inactive for Miami’s 32-21 loss to the Detroit Lions at Hard Rock Stadium.
Parker’s agent Jimmy Gould said his client is healthy, refuting Gase’s postgame comments regarding Parker, who has been recently sidelined by a quadriceps injury.
“He is not telling the truth … he continues attacking the health of my client, and this is not acceptable,” Gould told the Palm Beach Post and Miami Herald.
“Parker is not only healthy but wants to help this team win, and the only real question that should be asked is how does coach Gase justify his own incompetence.”
The Dolphins’ need for Parker this season became widely apparent after fellow receivers Albert Wilson (right leg) and Kenny Stills (ankle) were unable to return after suffering injuries during the game.
NFL teams have reached out to the Dolphins to inquire about Parker, who Dolphins coach Adam Gase has said he has not had any conversations about trading with other teams.
The NFL Network reported that the Dolphins are asking for a third-round pick in return for Parker, while Miami has said they are not actively shopping him.
“He’s not completely healthy yet, but we’re still working through some things,” said Gase after the game.
He added that his other four receivers were “rolling” and wanted to use rookie running back Kalen Ballage in a red-zone situations.
During the season, Gase has final say of the Dolphins’ 53-man roster. But he, vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum and general manager Chris Grier all work together when it comes to personnel decisions.
Parker, who was dealing with a broken middle finger on his right hand before the recent quadriceps injury, has only played against Oakland in Week 3 and Chicago last week.
“DeVante is ready to go and 100 percent,” teammate Jakeem Grant said after the game. “Once he gets going, and once he starts playing, he’s going to pick up where he left off, making better plays, more plays, and just go out there on fire.”
Along with Parker, quarterback Ryan Tannehill (shoulder), tight end AJ Derby (foot), defensive end Charles Harris (calf ) and defensive end Jonathan Woodard (concussion) were inactive Sunday due to injuries.
Offensive tackle Sam Young and safety Maurice Smith were healthy scratches.