Former Chiefs wideout Albert Wilson returns to practice for Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins finally got wide receiver Albert Wilson back in practice for the first time on Wednesday after suffering a hip injury.

Albert Wilson was finally on the verge of breaking out.

The Miami Dolphins wide receiver had always been a nice complement during his years with the Kansas City Chiefs. He’d also written a great story as a former undrafted free agent who had successfully climbed the depth chart. He became that rare player who, as a rookie free agent, not only makes it to free agency but scores a major payday in the process.

Early on for the Dolphins, his first year with the team last season, Wilson looked like a man freed from captivity. He blossomed in the Dolphins offense as a go-to target early on with 391 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns (already a career high) in his first 7 games. In Week 6 alone, Wilson put up an incredible 155 receiving yards on 6 catches and 2 touchdowns in a dominant performance against the Chicago Bears defense.

Then came a hip injury. During the team’s Week 7 game, a loss to the Detroit Lions, they also lost their new receiver. Wilson was not only gone for the season but the nature of his injury would require considerable rehabilitation. Even now, nearly a full year later, Wilson is only getting back to practice.

Wilson spoke to reporters from Dolphins training camp on Wednesday and explained what he can and cannot do, but the mere fact that he’s even there at practice is a big step forward.

"“It’s a blessing,” he said. “It was kind of a roller coaster. I didn’t have any setbacks, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do the things I love to. For me to be back out here, it’s truly a blessing.”"

For now, the Dolphins are reporting that Wilson is not taking part in team drills. Instead he’s exercising on his own and waiting for doctors to give him clearance in order to participate alongside his teammates.

Here’s hoping Wilson can be ready for Week 1 and that the former Chiefs wideout can grow into the kind of receiver that the Fins envisioned when they signed him last spring.