Miami Dolphins

Dolphins to keep rookies McCain, Phillips as starters; unsure on Parker

Published Dec. 7, 2015 4:03 p.m. ET

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A big reason why the Miami Dolphins were able to come away with a win against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday was the play of their rookies. Three rookies made the first starts of their careers, and ultimately played extremely well in the victory.

DeVante Parker scored the team's only offensive touchdown of the game, making a spectacular catch in the end zone. Cornerback Bobby McCain led the team with seven solo tackles, while defensive tackle Jordan Phillips batted a pass and hit the quarterback once.

Surprisingly, though, it's the latter two that will remain starters this week against the New York Giants, with Parker possibly returning to the starting lineup.

“That’s hard to say just because of where Rishard Matthews has been and knowing the production he’s got when he comes back,” head coach Dan Campbell said of Parker remaining a starter, via the Palm Beach Post. “I don’t want to just say yes or no one way or another. I’ll say this: DeVante Parker’s getting better. And with every play he makes it’s going to be harder to get him off the field.”

With the way Parker's played over the past two weeks, it won't be easy to keep him off the field. He's caught two touchdowns in the last two games and was the only receiver with more than five yards receiving on Sunday.

Campbell did confirm that Phillips and McCain will likely remain starters this week, complimenting both players on their performances Sunday. However, Phillips' spot could be determined by Earl Mitchell's health in the coming weeks.

“I would say yeah, I don’t see why not,” Campbell said of Phillips continuing to start. “Now, there again, he’s gotta continue to produce in that role. Earl will come back, and we all know what Earl is when he’s healthy. Nobody gives more effort than Earl does, and he can be disruptive as well. I would say it’s a good problem to have, and certainly having Earl back will give us a nice rotation.”

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