Parker back at practice, available to start opener
Avaluable member of the Miami Dolphins offense returned to practice Tuesday as the team continues its preparations for the season opener.
DeVante Parker, the Dolphins’ leading receiver last season who has not practiced since Aug. 24, participated in practice while wearing a white compression sleeve on his left thigh/hamstring area.
The Dolphins hope Parker, who had nine touchdown catches last season, will be available to start on the road against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Miami hopes its cautious approach of limiting Parker’s practice time for the past twoweeks will aid his recovery and his durability for the start of the season.
Despite only missing 10 games in the first four seasons of his career, nagging injuries have played a major factor in Parker’s production.
Miami’s first-round draft pick in 2015, Parker played in 16 games for the first time in his NFL career last season, where he compiled career highs with 72 receptions for 1,202 yards as the Dolphins’ most reliable receiver.
Along with Parker, the Dolphins hope receiver Preston Williams, who has recovered from an ACL injury he suffered last season, and tight end Mike Gesicki, Miami’s second-leading receiver last season, can pick up where they left off as valuable pieces in the passing game.
Gesicki, who caught the game-winning touchdown in the season finale against the Patriots last season, returned to practice Tuesday after missing last Saturday’s session due to a personal issue.
Gesicki had a relatively under-theradar training camp and appeared second behind fellow third-year tight end Durham Smythe on the Dolphins’ initial depth chart this week. Gesicki had career highs with 51 catches for 570 yards with five touchdowns last season.
Williams also appears in line to make major contributions for the Dolphins offense after an impressive training camp. His rookie season ended after eight games, but Williams finished as Miami’s third-leading pass catcher with 42 receptions for 428 yards with three touchdowns.
Tuesday’s Dolphins practice saw players working without pads, with the team likely to ramp up its practice sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before the opener.
Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, one of eight team captains, practiced with his right hand wrapped after suffering an injury last month. His availability could be limited in the opener depending on howmuch he practices thisweek.
Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard, who may not be ready to play Sunday as he continues to recover from offseason knee surgery, also practiced Tuesday.
Dolphins running back Matt Brieda will wear No. 22, the number he has worn throughout his NFL career. The jersey became available after roster cuts over theweekend.
New Dolphins offensive weapon Lynn Bowden Jr., whowas acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, will wear No. 15. The number was previously worn by Dolphins receiver Albert Wilson, whoopted out of playing this season due to COVID-19 concerns.