DAVIE, Fla. -- A confident DeVante Parker walked into the Miami Dolphins locker room earlier this week. After a rough training camp and preseason where he was in and out of the lineup with a hamstring injury, Parker finally was able to put his variety of skills on display during the Dolphins’ 31-24 loss Sunday to the New England Patriots.

In his 2016 debut, Parker had eight receptions for 106 yards and nearly came up with the game-tying touchdown heave by quarterback Ryan Tannehill at the end of the game. But what is most interesting about his performance against New England is Parker added he doesn’t have his full explosiveness at this stage.

Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker is showing a knack to make big plays when he's healthy. Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports

“I know I’m not 100 percent yet,” Parker said. “But when I get there, it’s going to be a whole different ballgame.”

Parker is Miami’s most dynamic receiver and adds a different dimension to the offense. He can consistently make plays in the short, intermediate and deep passing game and also has the size and athleticism to fight off defenders to make tough catches when he’s covered.

Parker’s presence also opened things up for his teammates. Jarvis Landry had a season-high 10 catches for 137 yards, Kenny Stills had two catches for 39 yards and a touchdown and tight end Jordan Cameron had five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots had a difficult time covering all of Miami's receivers, particularly in the second half.

The Dolphins finished the game by outscoring New England 24-3 and showed what the offense's capability at full strength.

“I think those three receivers together and then add our tight end group and our [running] backs’ abilities to catch the football, that should be a good group out there,” Dolphins coach Adam Gase said. “But if we’re not healthy, it doesn’t really help us.”

Health has always been the biggest concern for Parker. Multiple foot injuries slowed Parker in college at the University of Louisville and had an impact on his rookie season in Miami. Parker also missed this year’s regular-season opener against the Seattle Seahawks with a hamstring injury.

If Parker is able to stay healthy, Miami’s offense has a chance to reach its full potential.