DeVante Parker

Ryan Tannehill: Dolphins WR Rishard Matthews is 'growing as a player'

Published Sep. 2, 2015 11:50 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Miami Dolphins have yet to play their entire wide receiver group together this offseason. Rookie DeVante Parker has been out after undergoing foot surgery, while Kenny Stills has been in and out of practice due to injury.

With both Parker and Stills missing time in practice, Rishard Matthews has stepped up and made his presence felt on the field.

After an underwhelming season in 2014, Matthews has made the proper adjustments and improvements this offseason. And his quarterback has taken notice.

"I would say over the last six months I have seen the most growth from him," Ryan Tannehill said to Andy Cohen of MiamiDolphins.com. "He is growing as a man, growing as a player, and developing his game in all aspects. His consistency is at an all-time high right now."

Matthews had his coming out party of sorts in Week 10 of the 2013 season when he caught 11 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Since then, however, he's yet to come close to repeating the performance, topping 50 yards receiving in a game just three times. He hopes this season will be different after a solid offseason.

"All I really wanted was a chance to show I belonged here," Matthews said. "They gave me that chance here and I’m grateful for that. Now it’s up to me to determine where it goes from here. I can tell you that I haven’t approached my ceiling as a player. I’m ready to see how far I can take this."

Matthews is currently the No. 2 slot receiver behind Stills on the depth chart and should be a near-lock to make the roster. The next step is to make an impact during the regular season, something he's been unable to consistently do in the past.

(h/t Miami Dolphins)

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