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The Dolphins announced on Friday morning that Parker has undergone successful foot surgery. He is expected to be ready for the season opener against the Redskins.
The immediate concern, as Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio points out, is that it's unclear whether and to what extent Parker will participate in training camp and the preseason. He’s definitely done for the rest of the offseason program.
"While he’s expected to be ready for Week 1," Florio explained, "his readiness for the rest of the work that comes before Week 1 could influence how effective he’ll be as a rookie."
Parker missed part of his senior season at Louisville after needing foot surgery. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Friday's surgery was performed to replace the screw inserted last year. The decision to undergo surgery was a collaborative one between Parker, his agent Jimmy Gould, Parker's parents and the Dolphins.
According to the Miami Herald, the procedure was precautionary and if it were the regular season he'd be playing this week.
Per Rapoport, the receiver is expected to begin training camp on the PUP list, but the focus is on the 2015 opener and indications are he'll be ready when games count in September.
NFL.com's Kevin Patra notes that Parker flashed a wide catch-radius, good hands and willingness to go after every throw during OTAs. His potential alongside Jarvis Landry within Bill Lazor's offense had Dolphins fans excited and fantasy owners intrigued.
Indeed, Parker can go up and get the ball. He has a big body. He plays a physical style. And, he's regarded as a top red-zone threat.
All that said, this procedure will surely scare some owner away come draft day; it will certainly drive his cost down to some degree -- much like the hamstring injury that kept Odell Beckham from taking part in most of the Giants' OTAs, mini-camps and much of training camp last year.
We all know how that worked out for owners who secured Beckham's services.
That's not to compare Parker's skills and ability to be an impact player to Beckham's. But the circumstances are worth noting. I'll continue to follow up as needed.