Miami’s star wideout finally takes the practice field, four months after inking a deal with the team. The veteran pass-catcher was sidelined throughout the offseason with a lingering knee issue, which required surgery and forced him to miss the first four games of the season.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection attributed his delayed start to a combination of personal and professional commitments. “Life got in the way,” he explained. “I’ve got a young son, and I didn’t want to miss out on precious time with him. Football wasn’t the top priority for me.”
Initially, he considered signing with a team mid-season to allow himself more time to recover from the procedure. However, a conversation with the team’s head coach changed his mind. Although neither party would commit to him playing in the upcoming matchup against a divisional rival, he’s now eligible to return to the lineup.
His decision to start the season on the physically unable to perform list was a “selfless act,” he claimed, as it allowed the team to maintain roster flexibility. “I didn’t want to take someone’s job while I was hurt,” he said.
The team brought him in to bolster their receiving corps, but the offense has struggled to find its footing this season. Despite boasting a talented trio of receivers, the unit ranks near the bottom of the league in several key categories.
The star wideout has been building a rapport with the team’s quarterback, although their on-field chemistry will have to wait due to the signal-caller’s injury. In the meantime, he’s developed a connection with the current starter, a familiar face from his previous stint with another team.
While there’s pressure on the entire offense to perform, he doesn’t feel any added burden on himself. “I thrive under pressure,” he said. “It’s time for us to start making plays and taking over. The defense has been doing their part; now it’s our turn.”
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