Dolphins’ Matthews waits for his moment

DAVIE — Nobody has to remind Rishard Matthews his number is finally being called, and that the Dolphins need him to step up as the team’s new slot receiver.

Since Brandon Gibson suffered a season-ending knee injury in Sunday’s loss to the Patriots, Matthews has been constantly reminded by teammates, coaches, family members and friends.

“I think he’s heard it 50 times already,” wide receiver Mike Wallace said. “I’ve just been messing with him, telling him just to be a [smart-aleck].”

Everyone from Matthews’ teammates, to coach Joe Philbin, to the team’s starting quarterback will testify that this former Nevada standout is ready. The eight receptions for 93 yards he’s brought down in his limited opportunities this season back up their claims.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve contributed, but you have to pay your dues. When the time comes, be ready,” said Matthews, a seventh- round pick in 2012. “Thetime is here now for me.”

But there is some concern about the process being rushed because Matthews doesn’t have much experience playing the slot receiver role, which involves a lot of route adjustments and defensive reads.

Wide receiver Brian Hartline took a deepbreath and let out a huge sigh when asked if Matthews was ready.

Hartline had just spent the past seven months developing chemistry with Gibson, getting their twoman game to a point where the pair were able to play off one another. Gibson’s development had allowed the duo to combine for five of the team’s 11 touchdowns, three of which came from Gibson in the last two games.

“It j ust completely changes things,” said Hartline, whose 35 receptions for 438 yards leads the Dolphins. “I think it’s a pretty important position and the communication factor is huge.

“We have to have chemistry. I have to trust him. He has to trust me,” Hartline said, referring to the twoman game he plays with the slot based on a defense’s coverage. “It is one position that’s hard to replace.”

Matthews has practiced in the slot going back to last season, but not on a fulltime basis. Even quarterback Ryan Tannehill ad- mits his chemistry with Matthews will be a factor in the passing game moving forward.

“It takes time and some reps,” Tannehill said. “It is a chemistry thing in the slot, knowing when to get uncovered, hot throws, timing in and out [of breaks]. But I feel good about it. I feel like he has a good handle on it.”

According to his teammates, Matthews does bring a different dynamic to the offense, something that could be beneficial, especially in the red zone.

“He’s our most physical receiver,” Tannehill said. “Physical off the line, and able to go up and use his strong hands to catch balls up high.”