After making a midseason comeback that strengthened the Miami Dolphins’ offense, veteran tight end Darren Waller was once again injured. He joined Miami before Week 5 after recovering from a hip injury sustained during training camp in August and tallied 10 receptions for 117 yards and four touchdowns across four games.
However, his production was halted when he suffered a pectoral injury in Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns.
Darren Waller’s Injury Update and Return Timeline
Waller was injured in the first half of the Miami Dolphins’ 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns and did not return. Early reports discussed a possible torn pectoral muscle, but later tests confirmed it was a pectoral strain, not a full tear. While the injury is still big, it is not expected to end his season.
The Dolphins placed Waller on injured reserve before their Week 8 game against the Atlanta Falcons, meaning he must miss at least four games. With Miami’s Week 9 bye, the earliest he can return is Week 13, when the Dolphins face the New Orleans Saints.
Coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that the team is hopeful about the tight end’s recovery.
“It was soft tissue,” McDaniel said, via ESPN. “It’s a situation that probably it would be living in hope to see him in the upcoming next weeks’ games, but he’ll be diligent. This means a lot to him, but that’s kind of where I’m at with it right now with the information I have.”
The Dolphins, currently 2-6, rank among the league’s lower-tier passing offenses, sitting 26th in total passing yards. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has had a hard time with turnovers, leading the NFL with 10 interceptions, and with Waller being out, it limits Miami’s options in the passing game.
Backup tight end Julian Hill was also injured, prompting the Dolphins to elevate Greg Dulcich from the practice squad.
Before his injury, Waller had been one of Miami’s most reliable red-zone targets. He made his Dolphins debut in Week 4 against the New York Jets, finishing with three catches for 27 yards and two touchdowns. He followed that with five catches for 78 yards and another touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. His PFSN TE Impact Score is 77.7 with a C+ grade. He ranks 17th out of all tight ends.
The Dolphins acquired Waller from the New York Giants in a trade in July. If all goes well, he could rejoin the lineup in time to help the Dolphins through the final stretch of the season.