The Miami Dolphins’ tight end, Darren Waller, is facing a serious setback just days before the 2025 season begins. Per reports, he has suffered a hip strain, casting doubt on his ability to play against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday.
This injury occurred prior to Thursday’s practice, increasing worries about his readiness after a year away from the game. Waller’s absence from practice on Wednesday and Thursday was initially just a precaution, but now the strain has raised questions about his involvement in Week 1.
Does Darren Waller’s Setback Raise Questions About Week 1 Readiness?
ESPN reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques reported that Mike McDaniel has confirmed that Waller’s status is doubtful. He stated that the setback occurred prior to Thursday’s practice, making Waller questionable for the game on Sunday against the Colts.
Mike McDaniel said Dolphins TE Darren Waller had a setback before Thursday’s practice and is doubtful to play Sunday vs the Colts
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) September 5, 2025
McDaniel mentioned that even though the team was trying to avoid any issues by keeping Waller’s workload in check, the tight end still faced a setback before Thursday’s practice.
“While trying to prevent a setback, he had a setback before practice. What does that mean? It means he’s being challenged, the most eager player to play has another challenge. I know he’s up for it, but I don’t think he’s going to play this week, which wasn’t planned. But the way I look at it is, with your first player that comes out of retirement try not to have a plan that you have no experience with.” McDaniel stated via Fox Sports.
Waller himself provided insight into his condition during a media session. He told reporters, “You can’t always predict how your body will respond from having time away. Mostly it’s just my body responding well, and in some ways it didn’t, so it was just like being cautious in that way to I guess look at the bigger picture as opposed to maybe rushing in to get ready for the very beginning. Just taking that into account, I appreciate the care they’ve given me here, all the support staff.”
Injuries have been a constant issue for Waller, often breaking his stride on the field. He began his NFL career as a sixth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, but he faced some early suspensions for violating the league’s substance abuse policy before he revived his career with the Raiders in 2018
After 2021, injuries became a regular occurrence. That year, an ankle injury limited him to 11 games, but he still secured a solid three-year, $51 million extension in 2022.
Hamstring problems were notably hard to get rid of. In 2022, Waller was out for multiple games and this issue lingered into 2023 with the Giants, resulting in him being placed on injured reserve after Week 8 and missing several games.
These difficulties were part of why he decided to retire, as he considered the effects football had on his body. He talked about a life-threatening health scare from November 2023 that also shaped his decision to step back.
Now, with this new hip strain, there are increasing concerns about whether he can stay fit enough to contribute regularly.
MORE: Is Najee Harris Playing vs. the Chiefs in Week 1? Latest Injury Update on the Chargers RB
Without him, the tight end position is pretty weak for the team, depending on backups like Julian Hill and Tanner Conner, who together only managed 15 catches and 116 yards last season.
