Coming off a career campaign last season, no small feat for a player of his stature, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill is arguably the best fantasy football producer heading into 2024.
However, fantasy football managers are no doubt fixated on Hill’s right thumb injury, which he suffered a couple of weeks ago and has continued to keep him out of practice.
So, just how serious is this injury, and what is Hill’s status for the Dolphins’ season opener on Sept. 8 at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars?
Tyreek Hill Injury Update
Although the storyline regarding Hill’s absence from Dolphins practice and preseason games may raise concern, this is nothing more than a precautionary measure.
In fact, while he was held out of practice this week, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel insisted that Hill could have practiced if needed.
Though McDaniel’s words had to be somewhat of a relief for Dolphins fans and fantasy managers alike, Hill’s continued absence must have some wondering when he’ll return to action. After all, the star wideout had been wearing a brace on his right hand, so perhaps it’s something more than just a precaution?
And on a team loaded with explosive players, the Dolphins’ offense simply would not be the same without the league’s leading receiver from last season.
Hill led the NFL in both receiving yards (1,799) and touchdown receptions (13) in 2023. He also became the first player in NFL history to have multiple seasons with at least 1,700 receiving yards, and he did that in consecutive seasons (2022, 2023).
From a fantasy standpoint, Hill was neck-and-neck with the Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb for the title of top fantasy wide receiver. Last season, Lamb finished with the highest fantasy points per game average (23.7) — just ahead of Hill’s 23.5.
While Hill’s fantasy scoring average in 2023 was a career high, it also marked the fourth time in seven seasons that he averaged 20 or more fantasy points per game.
Hill’s Fantasy Outlook for Week 1
McDaniel’s approach to Hill’s absence has been to act as if it is nothing more than being cautious, taking no chances. And that certainly makes sense, given the weapons in Miami’s arsenal.
And when you consider the team’s Week 1 opponent, it makes even more sense to treat everything that way. The Jaguars employed one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL last season, ranking 26th in pass yards allowed (239.8 yards per game).
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Miami, meanwhile, was the league’s No. 1 offense in 2023 in both total yards (401.3 YPG) and passing yards (265.5 YPG).
Pro Football Network’s start/sit projection tool seems to agree that a big game could be in store for Hill in Week 1, as it projects him to finish with 23.3 fantasy points in this matchup.