Darren Waller walked into Miami with hope, a new jersey, and unfinished business. The Dolphins traded for the veteran tight end, thinking maybe something was still left in his tank. But since landing in South Beach, Waller has been chiefly on the sidelines, working his way back after stepping away from football.
Now, with Week 1 right around the corner, the question on everyone’s mind is simple: Is he actually going to suit up?
Will Darren Waller Play in Week 1 Against the Indianapolis Colts?
Right now, things are not looking great for Dolphins fans hoping to see Waller hit the field this weekend. According to Pro Football Talk, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel revealed on Thursday that Waller suffered a setback while recovering from a hip strain, making it unlikely he’ll play in the opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
“It means he’s being challenged,” McDaniel said. “The most eager player to play has another challenge, so I know (Waller’s) up for it, but I don’t think he’s going to play this week.”
Darren Waller is doubtful for Week 1 with a hip injury after suffering a setback before practice pic.twitter.com/Dcaxmb3mI4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 5, 2025
There’s no denying Waller’s athletic gifts. His peak came back in 2019 and 2020 with Oakland and then the Las Vegas Raiders, when he racked up 197 catches, 2,341 yards, and 12 touchdowns. But things changed in the following three years as his numbers dropped, and he never topped 665 receiving yards with the Raiders or New York Giants.
After the 2023 season, Waller stepped away from football and tested the waters in music. That break ended with his decision to return for the 2025 campaign, setting up the Giants’ trade with the Dolphins.
Miami never planned on Waller being ready to go from day one, but these weeks of ramping up have been slower than expected– and his hip issue has only added to the wait.
With Waller on the shelf, the Dolphins are turning to Julian Hill and Tanner Conner at tight end. That’s not the ideal situation heading into a big season opener.
“I’m sure (Waller’s) discouraged,” McDaniel told Sports Illustrated. “I think he’s just really eager to play with his teammates, but I think you have to look at a big picture and I think you fail in life. If you set up a script proactively, it’s not about us, having a pre-planned expectation of X, Y, or Z; it’s how we react to it. So that’s why I say it’s a challenge, but this is a guy that’s been made of challenges.”
The Dolphins are set to take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET. Whether Waller will make his Miami debut is still up in the air, but, for now, Miami has to plan like he’s out.
