On verge of NFL return, Dolphins' Will Fuller reflects on Randy Moss' impact

MIAMI GARDENS —  Will Fuller is fast and exciting and he's certainly fresh, not having played a football game since November of last season.

Fuller's NFL-mandated suspension for a performance-enhancing drug positive test is about to expire, though, and he's scheduled to make his Dolphins debut on Sunday.

"I tried to learn from a mistake that I made," Fuller said Wednesday. "Not taking football for granted. I wanted to be out there, helping my team back. I'm happy to be back."

Fuller, who missed six games, said he took a prescribed medication he believed to be permitted.

Fuller has averaged 14.9 yards per reception in his career. He is a game-break waiting to happen. When healthy, he's one of the NFL's top deep-ball threats.

"In the defensive room, the first thing they're telling the DBs is don't get beat deep," Fuller said. "So I use that to my advantage. Playing fast gets a defense on their heels."

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Fuller revealed that a conversation with Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss early in his career with the Texans had an impact on how he tracks the deep ball.

"[Moss] said a lot of receivers, when they run their posts, they turn back and look at the quarterback," Fuller said. "You know, the quarterback he's probably already thrown the ball. So he told me to look up when they throw the ball don't look back at the quarterback. That's helped me out a lot."

Fuller has 24 touchdowns in 53 games, which is an excellent ratio. In two of the last three seasons, he's caught a pass for longer than 70 yards.

Even though they worked together in the offseason, Fuller and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may need some time to work on their chemistry and timing. Everyone involved acknowledges that, including the quarterback and receiver. 

Miami co-offensive coordinator George Godsey feels Fuller's speed will have a positive impact on the catch-and-run aspect of fellow receivers such as Jaylen Waddle and DeVante Parker.

"Will has been a high performer in his career," Godsey said. "We’re excited to get him back. For Will, I know he’s excited. He’s been itching at the bit. He had a little bit of a setback with an injury, but now he’s back out there – with the suspension, too. It’ll be good to see him out there in practice and fitting him in. That group, we’ve got a lot of weapons."

Fuller missed training camp and preseason games action due to injury. But he was not listed at all on Miami's injury report on Wednesday.

Dolphins coach Brian Flores noted that Fuller has speed, is a good route runner and has a history of production. How much Fuller plays, Flores said, depends largely on how well he practices this week.

Fuller feels he's ready.

"I'm still confident in my speed," Fuller said. "I do a lot of work in the offseason. A lot more than I did earlier in my career."

In fact, Fuller said he is open to racing Dolphins speedster Jakeem Grant after the season is over.

"I am confident in my chances," said Fuller, who once ran a 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds. "I feel I am one of the fastest guys in the league."