Miami Dolphins

Dolphins WR Rishard Matthews (ribs) may return this week

Published Dec. 24, 2015 10:42 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Miami Dolphins have been without their No. 2 wide receiver, Rishard Matthews, for the past three games due to a rib injury. While that's certainly not ideal, it's given rookie DeVante Parker a chance to show the coaching staff what he has to offer. In Matthews' absence, Parker's caught nine passes for 166 yards and one touchdown -- not exactly eye-popping numbers.

However, his hold on the starting job could loosen this week. According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Matthews practiced in full this week and is on track to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

His return will give the offense a lift, which is something they're in dire need of. Prior to getting injured, Matthews had caught 43 passes for 662 yards and four touchdowns -- all of which are still second or better on the team. Parker hasn't consistently played well, while that's all Matthews did before getting hurt.

Whether or not Matthews takes back his starting job remains to be seen, but both he and Parker should play a decent amount when healthy. Parker is by no means a bust in any sense of the word, but he'll need to show the Dolphins more after being a first-round pick in 2015.