DeVante Parker, Mike Gesicki Did Not Return for Dolphins vs Chiefs with Injuries

The Miami Dolphins finished Sunday's 33-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs without a pair of key players, as both receiver DeVante Parker (leg) and tight end Mike Gesicki (shoulder) exited with injuries.

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores did not have an update on either player's status after the game, noting both—along with safety Bobby McCain—will undergo further testing.

"It's too early right now. They're still being evaluated," Flores said. "I'll probably have more information later in the week."

Gesicki was in the midst of a big day prior to the injury, hauling in five passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns. Parker, meanwhile, was targeted twice but had zero receptions.

Parker has been among the Dolphins' top playmakers since being drafted 14th overall in 2015. After notching his first 1,000-yard season in 2019, he has followed that up with another solid performance in 2020. The 27-year-old has 56 catches for 677 yards and four touchdowns on the season.

Sunday marked the first time all season he did not record a single reception in a game. He leads the team in receiving yards.

A second-round pick in the 2018 draft, Gesicki had a limited role in the Dolphins' passing game as a rookie. The Penn State product caught 22 passes for 202 yards on 32 targets. His numbers improved in 2019 (51 receptions, 570 yards, five touchdowns) but still arguably fell short for somebody drafted so high.

This year, a big Week 2 showing against the Buffalo Bills (eight receptions, 130 yards, one touchdown) hinted that things might be different in 2020. For the most part, that game was an outlier.

The Dolphins spared no expense in an attempt to avoid a fourth straight losing season. They did little to address the passing game, however, beyond using the No. 5 overall pick on Tua Tagovailoa. Matt Breida and Jordan Howard were their biggest veteran additions at the skill positions.

That leaves Durham Smythe as Gesicki's replacement at tight end. Smythe made 31 appearances over his first two years but logged only 13 receptions on 25 targets.

Perhaps this is the opportunity the former Notre Dame pass-catcher needed to show he can handle a larger role in the offense. He entered with 14 catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns this season.