Is Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill feeling better? Or will he again be a game-time decision in Week 11?
Certainly, the Dolphins have sent mixed signals up to this point in the week. Hill was back at practice Thursday, albeit in a limited capacity, after being listed as a DNP in Wednesday’s simulated injury report ahead of Sunday’s 11 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
What Is Tyreek Hill’s Injury?
Hill is still dealing with the wrist injury that put his availability in doubt for Week 10’s win against the Los Angeles Rams.
Hill ultimately played — catching his first touchdown since Week 1 — but he made it clear in comments with reporters that this is something that could bother him for the rest of the season.
Hill told ESPN pregame Monday that his left wrist has been an issue since training camp, but it got worse when Miami-Dade cops cuffed him during a traffic stop outside of Hard Rock Stadium just hours prior to the season opener.
Hill is dealing with a torn ligament in that wrist. He told reporters Thursday that surgery has been discussed, but “at the end of the day, I’ve got to suck it up, and deal with the pain.
“It’s going to get worse the more I play, but I’ve got to gut it out with me team.”
Is Hill Playing in Week 11?
Hill’s return to practice Thursday was certainly encouraging. That development, plus the fact that he played through the injury in Monday’s win, gives reason to believe that he’ll give it a go this coming Sunday.
Hill is determined to help the Dolphins salvage their season. But if, at some point, it becomes clear that Miami’s playoff chances are shot, don’t be surprised if he elects for season-ending surgery.
Hill was one of three Dolphins who returned to action Thursday after the team said they would not have participated in practice Wednesday had they held one.
After being listed as DNP Wednesday in estimation of injury report, Tyreek Hill, Rob Jones and Jordan Poyer seen practicing Thursday.
Kendall Fuller (concussion) not spotted. Neither were Terron Armstead, Calais Campbell (presumably rest, since Wednesday was walkthrough anyway). https://t.co/mo4oZfJaJT
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) November 14, 2024
Guard Rob Hunt (knee) and safety Jordan Poyer (calf) were also back on the practice field, according to the South-Florida Sun Sentinel.
The other three — OT Terron Armstead (knee/rest), DT Calais Campbell (rest), and CB Kendall Fuller (who has already been ruled out for Week 11 with a concussion) — remained out of action.
How Might Hill’s Absence Impact the Miami Dolphins if Ruled Out?
The Dolphins had been a heavy two-back team this season, but that changed Monday with Alec Ingold out.
Malik Washington and Odell Beckham Jr. both had healthy roles, which would grow even more if Hill cannot play. Also expect more playing time for River Cracraft, who saw just four offensive snaps in his first game off of injured reserve.
“Day in and day out, he’s the same guy. Brings the same energy every practice,” Dolphins receivers coach Wes Welker said of Washington earlier in the day, according to the Miami Herald.
“When you screw stuff up, we correct it. And it’s so nice as a coach not to have to worry about it after that. He’s a pro’s pro, almost like a vet as a rookie. He is good at getting open. Really worked on his releases. Has some quick twitch to him, great balance, very precise in route running and where he needs to get to, getting his foot in the ground.”