MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The clunkiness that defined Mike McDaniel’s Miami Dolphins offense when Tyreek Hill was off the field Monday night wasn’t some random coincidence.
Hill isn’t just a significant part of the Dolphins’ attack. He is the sun around which the other planets revolve.
Even when he’s not making plays himself, Hill is creating the environment for others to thrive.
But with Hill’s status for the Dolphins’ Week 15 game against the New York Jets in doubt, McDaniel will need to — for the first time — at least contemplate a game plan that doesn’t include the NFL leader in receiving yards (1,542) and receiving touchdowns (12).
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill Injury Update
An ankle injury limited Hill to just 34 of a possible 72 snaps in the Dolphins’ Week 14 loss to the Tennessee Titans, but he still had the second-most receiving yards on the team (61, behind only Jaylen Waddle’s 79).
On Tuesday, McDaniel provided the background on Hill’s decision to return to the game after missing the better part of two quarters.
“He was just trying to move it enough to get a feel for how it would be like going full-speed but not aggravating it even more,” McDaniel said. “It was just kind of being cautious, walking back and forth and it was pretty stiff on him. And then he finally got it to a place where you could go in. Sometimes those happen at the last second.”
Hill had two catches for 48 yards after his return, but that production came when the injured joint was still warm and loose.
Overnight, it surely stiffened, which is why McDaniel declined to say he was optimistic that Hill will play Sunday against the New York Jets.
McDaniel called Hill “day-to-day,” adding: “I know if there’s a will, there’s a way. It’s a little early to be that confident [enough to say he’ll likely play]. That was a painful, painful ankle that he took the time to warm up, work, and get to a point where he could feel like he could provide what we needed him to provide.
What Miami Dolphins Offense Would Look Like Without Tyreek Hill
If Hill is unable to suit up for the first time in his two seasons with the Dolphins, expect expanded roles for Waddle (whose six catches and 79 yards led the team Monday), Cedrick Wilson, and Braxton Berrios.
Those three complementary receivers have been targeted a combined 142 times this year — just 10 more than Hill’s season total.
MORE: Injuries Have Broken the Miami Dolphins’ Offensive Line — Perhaps Irrevocably
That lopsided usage might have created a situation where the Dolphins maximizing their best player has evolved into depending on him.
It’s important to remember that no Dolphins player has had more targets (348), catches (242), and receiving yards (3,193) than Waddle since the start of the 2021 season. But with Hill in Miami, Waddle has gone from star to sidekick.
McDaniel insists that he is mindful of spreading the ball around, but he did add that he will go with the hot hand when momentum dictates. Usually, Hill has been that hot hand, but McDaniel has gone to Waddle multiple times in a group of snaps too.
“Collectively, we’re strongest when you have to worry about everyone,” McDaniel said. “… [But] you try to empower the offense by getting the ball in those guys’ hands.
“… When you’re one of the best players in the National Football League, regardless of position, you’re always gonna get your opportunities. But it’s important for us to always make sure players are involved in their strength, whatever that is.”
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