MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- It’s been a roller-coaster summer for Miami Dolphins first-round pick DeVante Parker. Miami’s rookie receiver looked good in organized team activities, then had foot surgery in June and missed all of training camp and the first three preseason games.
However, Parker had the highlight of his summer Thursday night in the preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Parker started and recorded one catch for 11 yards in limited snaps.
The goal was to have Parker ready by Week 1 of the regular season, and he is heading in that direction. Thursday was a good opportunity for Parker to shake the rust before Miami’s Sept. 13 game against the Washington Redskins.
“It feels good to be back on the field again,” Parker said. “I wasn’t thinking about my foot at all. My foot feels good, so I just gotta start playing.”
Parker was asked if Thursday’s debut proved his foot was 100 percent.
“I don’t know if I’m 100 percent, but I’m getting close,” Parker responded with a smile. “Very close.”
This is good news for Miami’s receiving corps. Parker was selected No. 14 overall to provide a dynamic, perimeter threat for fourth-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Parker will join a deep group of receivers that includes Jarvis Landry, Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills and Rishard Matthews.
Parker will be worked in slowly, but it's a good sign that he was able to get in one preseason game.
“I’d say it’s very important seeing I’ve been out a long time, just coming out and getting a little taste of it,” Parker said.