When it rains, it pours. And right now in South Florida, a black cloud of injury hangs over the Miami Dolphins wide receiver group. Preston Williams is gone for the season. So, too, is Jakeem Grant. And now after Week 14’s 22-21 loss to the New York Jets? The Dolphins have two more wide receivers banged up in Albert Wilson and DeVante Parker. Both players suffered concussions against the New York Jets — costly injuries that undoubtedly played a part in Miami’s inability to finish drives and break into the end zone against the Jets.
No matter, now. Week 14 is finished and the Dolphins have three more games in 2019. Will Parker and Wilson be a part of the mix? That’s yet to be determined. Both players were active at practice as of yesterday but, as noted by ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe, both remain in the NFL’s concussion protocol and are no sure thing for Week 15 against the Giants.
DeVante Parker and Albert Wilson are here at practice with red non-contact jerseys after suffering concussions on Sunday. Encouraging that they have made progress to be on the field by Wednesday. Still unclear if they’ll be ready to go Sunday vs. Giants.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) December 11, 2019
The loss of Parker against New York would be a monumental one. The Giants’ secondary has struggled with young players to play with consistency this season and Parker figures to be in for a feast — if he can get on the field. The silver lining for Miami? If Parker is unable to go, the Dolphins would get another extended look at wide receiver Isaiah Ford, who went off for 92 yards on 6 receptions against the Jets. It was a true example of the “next man up” mentality we’ve seen instilled in Miami this season.
But make no mistake: Ford is no DeVante Parker. The other potential beneficiary from the absences of both players is TE Mike Gesicki, who looks to close his second season in the pros strong and pile momentum into a significant breakout in year three.
The Dolphins will learn more between now and Sunday, but with the team sitting at 3-10, they’d ultimately be wise to handle both Parker and Wilson with care.
[vertical-gallery id=420193]