The Facts: After showing what he’s capable of in rookie mini-camp and early offseason practices, Parker has had no choice but to patiently watch from the sidelines. He doesn’t know how much longer it’ll take until he returns from foot surgery, saying he’s “not sure” if he’ll play in the preseason. And if he doesn’t participate in the preseason does that mean he’ll have to sit out the regular season opener in Washington? “I’m not sure yet,” Parker said after Friday night’s scrimmage. “I’m just taking it one day at a time. Whatever happens, happens.”

Diehards Line: As Post staffer Andrew Abramson notes, the Dolphins are taking a long-term approach with Parker. They replaced a screw in his foot that was initially put there after he suffered a broken bone last year with Louisville. The team initially said he’d be out for three months, which would put him back midway through the preseason. The Dolphins play their first exhibition Thursday night in Chicago. Parker’s expected to eventually emerge as the team’s top outside threat. But even if he’s ready for the opener, he might be brought along slowly.