Darren Waller Set for Miami Dolphins Debut Against New York Jets
The Dolphins’ New Weapon
Darren Waller is poised to make his highly anticipated debut with the Miami Dolphins in Week 4, as they prepare to face the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. The former Pro Bowl tight end has been sidelined due to a hip injury that has kept him out of the first three games of the regular season. However, optimism surrounds his return, contingent on his performance in practice throughout the week.
Waller participated as a limited practice participant leading up to the Dolphins’ Thursday night matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Mike McDaniel expressed cautious optimism about Waller’s availability. “If the game were on Sunday instead of Thursday, it would have been a closer call,” he stated during a media session. “I feel very good about this week. I expect him to play against the Jets.”
Navigating the Injury
Waller’s journey back to the field has been challenging. He initially sustained a hip strain before the first week of practice and has yet to complete a full practice since the start of the season. McDaniel noted that Waller was scheduled to sit out a specific practice as part of a maintenance program when he incurred the injury. His offseason was also marred by setbacks, as he began training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list after coming out of retirement and being acquired from the New York Giants in a trade.
As Waller inches closer to a return, the Dolphins are eager to see how he can influence their offense.
What Waller Brings to the Table
The addition of Waller carries significant potential for the Dolphins’ passing game, particularly at the tight end position, which has struggled this season. With Jonnu Smith now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dolphins’ tight ends combined for a meager four receptions through the first three games. Tanner Conner and Julian Hill each managed just one reception in the recent 31-21 loss to the Bills.
Waller arrives in Miami with an impressive resume, boasting two seasons with over 90 catches and more than 1,100 receiving yards back in 2019 and 2020. However, given his injury history and time away from the game, expectations should be tempered. While it may be unrealistic to expect him to instantly reclaim that level of production, his presence is sure to elevate the tight end position from its current state of obscurity.
Not only will Waller be a valuable asset on his own, but he will also create opportunities for his teammates. The Dolphins’ offense, which already features dynamic players like De’Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Malik Washington, will undoubtedly benefit from Waller’s ability to stretch the field and command attention from opposing defenses.
The Dolphins secured Waller at a relatively low cost, both in terms of trade assets and contract commitments. As the team looks to maximize its investment, fans and analysts alike will eagerly await his impact on the field against the Jets.
