DeVante Parker returns to full practice Friday, expected to play Week 8

Friday update: DeVante Parker returned to a full practice on Friday, per Safid Deen of the Sun Sentinal. Caoch Bryan Flores expects parker to play against the Rams after running at full speed on Friday.

Miami Dolphins wideout DeVante Parker has been dealing with a groin injury and hasn’t been a full participant in practice ahead of his team’s Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Parker was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week, according to Miami’s injury report. The Dolphins’ offense could be drastically affected by the absence of their top pass catcher against one of the best secondaries in the NFL.

Parker leads Miami in receptions (29), targets (40), and receiving yards (364) this season. Tua Tagovailoa is set to make his first NFL start on Sunday and not having his team’s top pass catcher could make things hard on the rookie.

The Dolphins still have other viable threats to the air for Tagovailoa to work with. Mike Gesicki ranks seventh in receiving yards (286) among tight ends and Preston Williams has a team-high three touchdown receptions under his belt. Role players could need to step up in a big way against a Rams secondary led by Jalen Ramsey.