The Miami Dolphins endured a slew of injuries in last week’s heartbreaking loss to the Tennessee Titans, but none may be more critical than to the team’s best player.
Tyreek Hill suffered an ankle injury early in the game and was clearly hobbled when he managed to return after roughly two quarters on the sideline. Now, the superstar pass catcher has missed three straight practices, and his status is squarely in doubt for the team’s critical matchup against the division-rival New York Jets.
Tyreek Hill Questionable for Week 15
“When we talk, if he’s confident he can go be himself and [we have the] support of trainers that are responsible to the risk, then he will play. If not, he won’t,” head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Friday regarding Hill’s status.
It’s worth noting that McDaniel has been on the conservative side of things this season when it comes to deciding whether to hold players out due to injury.
Several Dolphins stars, including CB Xavien Howard and OT Terron Armstead, have expressed optimism about their playing status heading into a given contest only to be held out come game time.
But now, in the thick of December, McDaniel’s calculus has become much more difficult. The Dolphins suffered a rash of injuries last week, including a season-ending ACL tear to center Connor Williams, who was having the best season of his career, and the team can ill-afford to lose any more key players down the stretch.
But at the same time, the Dolphins are in a heated playoff race not only to lock up the division and ensure the team plays at least one home playoff game but also for the No. 1 seed.
Deciding whether to play Hill this week could mean the difference between a win and a loss against a Jets team that just trounced the Houston Texans, but there’s also no question that having a healthy Hill will be vital to the team’s playoff efforts come January.
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On the season, Hill currently leads the league in receiving yards (1542), receiving touchdowns (12), receptions of 20+ yards (26), receptions of 40+ yards (nine), and receptions for a first down (69).
If Hill is unable to go on Sunday, the Dolphins will look to Jaylen Waddle to step up as the team’s top receiver.
Waddle displayed an ability to be nearly as dangerous as his veteran counterpart over the course of the 2021 first-round pick’s first two seasons. And though he’s been less involved in 2023, Waddle is unquestionably a player that can take over a game at any moment.
“If [Tyreek] isn’t available, I think Jaylen (Waddle) understands his role with stepping up,” Tua Tagovailoa told reporters on Thursday. “It’s tough not having someone like Tyreek out there when sort of the entirety of the offseason was built around him and also Jaylen, and now you take away one of those pieces, and guys can double Jaylen and leave other guys one-on-one. It gives other guys opportunities that can really do something special for us.”
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