Dolphins Face Setback with Darren Waller on Injured Reserve
The Miami Dolphins are grappling with a significant setback as tight end Darren Waller has been placed on injured reserve due to a pectoral injury. This decision comes on the heels of the Dolphins’ disappointing 31-6 defeat against the Cleveland Browns, raising concerns about Waller’s immediate and long-term impact on the team.
Injury Details and Immediate Implications
Waller’s injury was initially described by head coach Mike McDaniel as a soft-tissue issue. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, later clarified that the problem specifically involves Waller’s pectoral muscle. As a result of this injury, Waller will be sidelined for at least the next four games, which include matchups against the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and the historic NFL regular-season game in Spain against the Washington Commanders.
To fill the void left by Waller’s absence, the Dolphins have signed tight end Greg Dulcich from their practice squad. In a swift roster move, Chris Myarick has been brought in to take Dulcich’s previous spot on the practice squad, following discussions with the team earlier in the week.
Waller’s Season So Far
Waller had been enjoying a resurgence this season, tallying four touchdowns in his first three games. However, after a delayed start to the season due to a hip injury, he has struggled to maintain consistent participation in practice. The injury against Cleveland marks yet another chapter in a career plagued by physical setbacks.
Prior to his time with the Dolphins, Waller’s tenure with the New York Giants saw him miss 19 games between 2021 and 2023 due to a variety of injuries, including issues with his back, knee, and hamstrings. Adding the hip and now pectoral injuries to this list raises questions about his durability moving forward.
Long-Term Considerations
Waller’s placement on IR not only affects the Dolphins’ immediate game strategy but also casts a shadow over his future with the team. He is signed only through the end of this season, and with the team’s growing concerns over his health, the implications of this injury could extend beyond just the current season.
Waller is now the second Dolphins player to be placed on IR due to a pectoral injury this season, joining veteran guard James Daniels, who has been sidelined since Week 1. Although the specifics of their injuries may differ, Daniels’ prolonged absence hints at a potential timeline for Waller’s return, which could push his comeback into December.
As the Dolphins navigate this challenging period, the hope remains that Waller can rehabilitate effectively and return to the field, contributing to a team that has shown flashes of promise despite recent struggles.
