The Miami Dolphins head into Week 13 with renewed curiosity surrounding Darren Waller’s potential return. After missing every game since Week 6, the tight end has finally shown signs of progress on the practice field, but the Dolphins have not offered a definitive signal on his availability.
That uncertainty keeps his status one of the most-watched developments ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Is Darren Waller Finally Close to Making His Return for the Dolphins?
The Dolphins’ official injury report adds important clarity to Waller’s trajectory. According to the team’s updated practice log, he was limited on Wednesday, then upgraded to full participation on Thursday.
This progression aligns with earlier reporting that he is “trending in the right direction.” On Saturday, the Dolphins officially activated Waller from the injured reserve, and he will play this week.
“The Dolphins are activating TE Darren Waller from injured reserve and he’ll play Sunday against the Saints, per sources,” wrote NFL insider Tom Pelissero on X. “Waller scored four TDs in his first three games before suffering a pectoral injury Oct. 19. Now, Miami’s red-zone weapon returns.”
Waller last played in Week 6, where he delivered 2 receptions for 12 yards and a touchdown. Across his three games this season, he has totaled four touchdowns, producing meaningful red-zone impact despite limited volume.
That efficiency underscores why the Dolphins would welcome his return, especially against a Saints defense built around young, athletic defenders. Waller is viewed as a matchup threat capable of exploiting the strengths of New Orleans’ young defenders, something the Dolphins’ depth options Greg Dulcich and Julian Hill are far less likely to replicate.
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The Dolphins are navigating additional pass-catching injuries, although both affected receivers are showing encouraging levels of participation. Jaylen Waddle (foot) is listed as a full participant, entering Week 13 with 49 receptions, 722 yards, and five touchdowns.
Dee Eskridge (shoulder) also logged full participation and has contributed 62 receiving yards on 4 catches this year. Their availability stabilizes the receiving group but does not replicate the matchup advantages Waller typically creates.
The Dolphins’ broader offensive picture adds another layer of complexity. According to PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, they hold a 73.4 score, ranking 17th in the league with an overall grade of C. Their 4–7 record underscores an offense that has struggled for consistency, making a healthy Waller even more valuable heading into a matchup where execution will matter.
Miami Dolphins vs. New Orleans Saints Preview
Dolphins’ Insights for Week 13
Team: Miami will play the Saints and Jets after the Week 12 bye.
QB: Tua Tagovailoa has thrown an interception on one of every 4.2 attempts. His previous career low was in 2021, when he had 2.6 interceptions per attempt.
Offense: De’Von Achane is fourth in the NFL with an 86.2 (B) RBi this season. He led the NFL with a 95.1 RBi (A) in 2023.
Defense: Miami has held opponents to 13 points or fewer in three of the last four games. They allowed 27+ points in six of the first seven games.
Fantasy: Over his past four games, Jaylen Waddle is averaging 16.7 yards per catch and has seen his average depth of target (aDOT) increase by 13.4% over that run. That role can carry variance, but the Saints have ranked in the bottom quarter of the league in deep pass TD% for the majority of the season.
Saints’ Insights for Week 13
Team: According to the PFSN Analytics, New Orleans currently has a 15.7% chance of getting the first overall pick. A loss increases the chances to 22.1%, a win drops it to 6.2%.
QB: After posting the fourth-best QBi (80.0, B-) in Week 10, Tyler Shough scored a 70.0 (C-) in Week 12 against the Falcons.
Offense: New Orleans has had a D+ or worse OFFi the last four games.
Defense: The Saints are currently at 71.6 (C-) in DEFi, which is 21st overall and New Orleans’ worst since 2018.
Fantasy: Chris Olave has 14 catches in New Orleans’ past two games, and the Dolphins have allowed four WR1s to reach 20 PPR points in a game this season. The Saints aren’t exciting, but their unquestioned WR1 can be trusted.