Amendola has proven to be quite the catch
Veteran has been Dolphins’ most reliable wide receiver
DAVIE — The Miami Dolphins signed two-time Super Bowl winning receiver Danny Amendola this past offseason to bring a winning attitude and provide veteran leadership.
After 10 games, Amendola has also become the Dolphins’ most reliable receiver on a team that has been decimated by injuries.
Amendola leads Miami with 47 catches on 61 targets this season with 456 yards receiving, and was the last player to throw a touchdown pass for the Dolphins, who have failed to score an offensive touchdown in their last two games.
The Dolphins (5-5) hope to rely on Amendola’s production with quarterback Ryan Tannehill making his return from a right shoulder injury against the Indianapolis Colts (5-5) on Sunday.
“[I’m] just focus[ed] on winning,” said Amendola, who threw a touchdown pass to running back Kenyan Drake against the Houston Texans in Week 8.
“Whatever I can do to help the team win, that’s what I’m focused on.”
Injuries have hampered all of the Dolphins receivers — except Amendola — this season.
Jakeem Grant (lower left leg) joined Albert Wilson (hip) on injured reserve this week after suffering a season-ending injury against the Green Bay Packers two weeks ago, leaving the Dolphins without their two most dynamic playmakers on offense.
Kenny Stills continues to work his way back from a groin injury suffered against the Detroit Lions in Week 6, while DeVante Parker is dealing with his third injury of the season, a shoulder injury that could affect his availability against the Colts.
Amendola, who was limited in Wednesday’s practice due to a hamstring issue, has been the most consistent Dolphins receiver, catching at least five passes (31 total) in each of backup quarterback Brock Osweiler’s five starts.
The Dolphins will need Amendola to quickly develop a better rapport with Tannehill after catching 16 passes during their first five games together.
“We’ve got a lot of good football players on this team, especially at that position, so we’re excited to have Ryan back. If Brock [Osweiler] was in there, we’re excited to play with Brock,” Amendola said.
“We’ve got a bunch of good football players, so we’re excited to get moving, get up to Indy and prepare the rest of the week and try to play good football this week.”
Behind Amendola, Drake is second on the team with 33 catches and two receiving touchdowns.
Wilson, who had 26 catches, is still tied for the Dolphins’ lead with four touchdowns this season.
Grant, who had 21 catches, also had the ability to be a big-play scoring threat, but only scored his two touchdowns this season in Week 3 against the Oakland Raiders.
Stills, who also has four touchdowns, has only caught seven of his 19 receptions in the last five games. He has scored only one touchdown after catching three touchdowns in his first three games.
Rookie tight end Mike Gesicki, a second-round pick, has 17 catches for 151 yards, but no touchdowns as well.
Parker, who exploded for six catches for 134 yards against the Texans, has only 14 catches with no touchdowns.
Even though Amendola has been the most productive Dolphins receiver, he has only one touchdown this season.
The Dolphins signed former Cowboys receiver Brice Butler last week, and promoted Leonte Carroo from the practice squad two weeks ago to boast the receiving group. Isaiah Ford, who is on the practice squad could be the next player promoted from within.
Despite the injuries, the Dolphins still remain steadfast in their pursuit of a playoff spot this season.
“We have to do some different things just because of the personnel we have,” Dolphins coach Adam Gase said of his offense moving forward.
“We’ve lost a couple of guys that were kind of key to us at the wide receiver spot and really we have guys with different skill sets than what we’ve had in the past.
“Every game is going to be different in how we want to go about it, what we want to do, what we can do — whether it be passing or running — and those types of things.” Dolphins cornerback Bobby McCain, participating in warmups last month, is expected to play against the Jets.