The Miami Dolphins woke up in Southern California Monday with a real path to the postseason but equally real questions about Tyreek Hill’s availability in Week 10.
The Dolphins officially listed Hill as questionable with a wrist injury for Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams after head coach Mike McDaniel on Saturday was noncommittal about the veteran wide receiver playing.
Here’s what we know about Hill’s injury status on the day of the Dolphins’ most important game of the year.
What Is Tyreek Hill’s Injury?
Hill has been pretty banged up lately. He was questionable in Week 8 with a foot injury but played through it the last two games.
The latest injury is unrelated to the previous one, though. He reaggravated a wrist injury he suffered in the preseason. After practicing fully with no injury designation on Thursday, Hill missed practice on both Friday and Saturday.
Hill’s agent Drew Rosenhaus, appearing on WSVN-7, did not rule out the possibility that Hill will need surgery — and perhaps will elect to get it if the Dolphins’ playoff hopes evaporate with a loss Monday night.
Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill is questionable for #MNF vs. the Rams with the wrist iniury. His Agent @DrewJRosenhaus says Hill will try and play tonight- as far as Hill potentially needing surgery Drew says that discussing will be kept “in house.” #finsup pic.twitter.com/nTyl7Ix07Z
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) November 11, 2024
“You know, that’s not something I’m prepared to discuss publicly,” Rosenhaus said. “I think that’s something that really will be internal between myself and Tyreek and his family and the team right now. I know he’s focused on doing everything that he can to get ready to play in the game tomorrow night. It’s obviously a big game, and I think everybody knows how important this game is, and let’s focus on that right now” Rosenhaus said.
Hill has been among the Dolphins’ most dependable players since his trade from the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s appeared in 43 of a possible 44 games, including the playoffs.
“[He’s] managing something, just kind of was heating up so trying to have it cool down,” McDaniel said Saturday. “He’s doing everything possible. He’s a competitor, so we’ll see how he responds but just trying to get him to game day. He’s prepared and if his body lets him, he’ll play but we’ll see.”
Is Hill Playing in Week 10?
Tagovailoa told ESPN pregame that he intends to play. He also said that he has a torn ligament in his wrist, which he claims was reaggravated when he was detained by Miami-Dade police before the Dolphins’ Week 1 game.
From @GMFB: Dak Prescott will find out today if he’s having surgery; #Bucs Pro Bowl OT Tristan Wirfs suffered a knee injury, and Tyreek Hill is a true game-time decision. pic.twitter.com/iNhG4v6ss3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2024
That certainly seemed likely after the Dolphins chose not to downgrade him throughout the weekend. As of their 4 p.m. pre-game roster moves, his game designation had not changed.
“I’m optimistic that he’s going to do everything he can, but we’ll see,” McDaniel said Saturday. “I wouldn’t say I was optimistic or pessimistic about it.”
The Dolphins offense does know that it will be without starting right tackle Austin Jackson, whom McDaniel ruled out Friday with a knee injury. The issue is not expected to end Jackson’s season, but McDaniel did not rule out surgery as an option.
How Might Hill’s Absence Impact the Miami Dolphins if Ruled Out?
The Dolphins simply cannot catch a break this season. After losing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for four games with a concussion, they now have to worry about the availability of Hill, who is still their best player despite his statistical regression in 2024 (34 catches, 446 yards, and one touchdown).
Hill draws near-constant double teams. So if he doesn’t play, teams can key more on a rushing attack that has been among the league’s best the last month.
Further complicating the issue: The Dolphins might not have Dee Eskridge (questionable, personal reasons), who has emerged as a solid fourth WR option this year.
The Dolphins did activate River Cracraft (shoulder) from injured reserve Monday and is expected to play against the Rams. In the corresponding roster move, the Dolphins placed right tackle Austin Jackson (knee) on injured reserve.
The obvious beneficiary of Hill’s absence from a statistical standpoint is Jaylen Waddle, who is on pace to set career lows in targets, catches, yards, and touchdowns.
Odell Beckham Jr. and Malik Washington are also likely to see their roles increase should Hill not play.
The Dolphins simply cannot afford another loss Monday after dropping six of their last seven. However, if they can find a way to beat the Rams, they’ll enter Week 11 just one game back in the loss column of the No. 7 seed, with games up next against the terrible New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders.