Tyreek Hill’s stint with the Miami Dolphins has officially come to an end after the franchise announced his release on Feb. 16, 2026. But before you pencil in the Pittsburgh Steelers or any other NFL team as his next destination, there’s a far more pressing concern in play. And it has nothing to do with cap space or roster fit.
When Can Teams Expect Tyreek Hill Back on the Field?
Hill suffered a dislocated left knee along with multiple torn ligaments, including an ACL tear, during the Miami Dolphins’ Week 4 win over the New York Jets on Sept. 29, 2025. The injury occurred in the third quarter after a reception near the sideline, when his leg twisted awkwardly during a tackle. The injury forced him to be carted off and later undergo season-ending surgery.
Even now, that setback continues to loom large over Hill’s NFL future, leaving interested teams wondering not just when he can return, but what version of him will step back onto the gridiron.
Medical expert Dr. David Chao has since laid out a projected injury recovery timeline, while also sounding the alarm on a far bigger question that teams cannot ignore: was this truly just a season-ending injury, or one that could put his long-term career in jeopardy?
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“He appeared to have nerve palsy when he was seen walking after his initial surgery,” Dr. Chao said. “He is said to need another surgery per his own post and he’s been cut by the Dolphins, likely with a failed physical designation, although that hasn’t been specified yet.”
Tyreek Hill was released by the Dolphins. With another surgery still ahead, he’s unlikely to return until late this season, and it’s possible he won’t be back until next year. This type of injury, given his style of play, falls into the career-threatening category. pic.twitter.com/TENQpxgoBH
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) February 17, 2026
The veteran doctor was referring to a recent social media post in which Hill mentioned the surgery. “I got to have one more surgery… It hasn’t been as rough as people try to make it seem,” Hill said in that video.
To further elaborate on what Dr. Chao said, he added that the star wide receiver won’t be able to sign any contract with an NFL team after his release and explained why.
“He won’t be able to sign with another team until he can pass another physical and so it remains to be seen when that might happen,” Chao said, who has worked as the head team doctor for the NFL team for years. “He’s 31, I believe, and any significant knee injury, much less a knee dislocation, is in the career-threatening category for the type of player that he is.”
And concluded his take, saying, “I certainly hope it’s not career-ending. I want to see him back. Where he lands will be a different story and it seems more likely that [it] would be closer to later this season or next season than right now.”
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So, there is a lot to examine before Hill signs anywhere. The injury was severe enough that it could cost him another season, according to Dr. Chao. However, Hill doesn’t share the same concern. In his latest post, he opened up about his release and what fans can expect from him in the 2026 NFL season.
“Every chapter in life has taught me something”, Hill wrote. “This one taught me leadership, resilience, and mostly gratitude. The love I have for this game is unexplainable. And right now, this off season, for the first time ever, The Cheetah is all the way turned up and locked in. Focused.” He added, “The Cheetah doesn’t slow down. Ever. So to everyone wondering what’s next… just wait on it. The Cheetah will be back…Born Again.”
Now that the Dolphins have cut ties with the 31-year-old Super Bowl champion, speculation surrounding his next destination has only intensified. From a potential reunion with the Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce duo in Kansas City to the Pittsburgh Steelers emerging as a serious suitor, the race to land Hill is quickly taking center stage. All eyes now turn to what unfolds next in his uncertain road back to the field.
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