After over eight months away from football, Albert Wilson is nearing a return to the field.
The Miami Dolphins receiver, whose versatility jump-started the Fins offense during the early parts of the 2018 season, told reporters Friday that he expects to be active for the start of the 2019 campaign.
"There's no reason why I shouldn't be out there Week 1," Wilson said, per the Miami Herald.
Wilson was on pace for a career year through seven games last season, his first with Miami, before suffering a serious hip injury in Week 7. He was placed on injured reserve soon after and has not practiced since.
A game-breaking talent in Adam Gase's offense and self-proclaimed "best YAC receiver in the league," Wilson tallied 407 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 34 touches in 2018.
Acquired last offseason after four years with the Kansas City Chiefs, Wilson will have to prove to the new Dolphins regime, led by Brian Flores, that he is still worth the Dolphins' investment upon his return; the wideout has two years left on his deal. But first Wilson has to get right, something he has every intention of achieving.
"Every test they've wanted me to take I've been right on track so there's no reason why I shouldn't be out there Week 1," Wilson added. "I'm 100, I'm ready to go in when they give me the OK."
Miami's offseason workout program is over, so the next time we'll see Wilson and the Dolphins will be around training camp. The wideout could be placed on the PUP list to start camp, but if Wilson's confidence is any indication, he won't stay there come September.
