Miami Dolphins Seek Additional Receiving Support as Tyreek Hill’s Injury Casts a Shadow
The Miami Dolphins are in a precarious position as they navigate the challenges posed by Tyreek Hill’s season-ending knee injury. With Hill sidelined, Jaylen Waddle has emerged as the primary receiving option, yet the team is in urgent need of more reliable contributors to bolster their pass-catching game.
Waddle Steps Up, But the Void Remains
Waddle has risen to the occasion, averaging six receptions for over 100 yards in the two games since Hill’s injury. However, the supporting cast has struggled to make a significant impact, with no other receiver averaging more than 45 yards during that span. The Dolphins are currently averaging less than 200 passing yards per game, which places them in the lower echelons of the league’s passing attacks.
Despite quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s impressive 69.8 completion percentage, ranking ninth in the league, the offense is struggling to sustain drives. His average of 6.7 yards per pass thrown ranks 24th, illustrating the challenge of moving the ball downfield without Hill’s explosive presence. Both Hill and Waddle have accounted for four of the team’s 12 receptions of at least 20 yards, highlighting the uphill battle the Dolphins face in replicating the five-time All-Pro’s production.
Malik Washington’s Expanding Role
Behind Waddle, Malik Washington has seen the most offensive snaps among the receiving corps this season. The sixth-round pick from 2024 has recorded 16 catches, a notable increase from his 26 receptions in 14 games last season. However, only three of those catches have resulted in a first down.
Washington’s role on special teams is crucial, and while he demonstrates reliable hands, his average of just 4.3 yards per reception indicates a lack of downfield impact. With over half of his snaps taken in the slot, he has been primarily targeted close to the line of scrimmage, averaging only 3.9 yards per target. While he possesses the physicality to break tackles, his 5-foot-8 frame limits his effectiveness in a downfield role. Although Washington provides value, he may not fit the mold of a solid No. 2 option alongside Waddle this season.
Darren Waller: A Potential Solution?
Tight end Darren Waller has been a rare bright spot for the Dolphins’ offense, scoring four touchdowns in three games. As a big-bodied target capable of making plays both downfield and in the red zone, Waller has previously demonstrated his ability to be a featured option, eclipsing 110 targets and 1,100 receiving yards in a season.
However, since returning from retirement and dealing with a hip injury early in training camp, he has struggled to find his rhythm. In a recent game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Waller played a season-high 41 snaps, catching two of three targets for 12 yards and a touchdown. While those statistics may not impress, they take on new significance when juxtaposed with teammates who have had limited production.
Waller’s presence forces defenses to adjust their strategies, which could create more opportunities for others. He may be Miami’s best hope for a No. 2 receiving option, but managing his usage to keep him healthy will be vital for the remainder of the season.
Managing De’Von Achane’s Workload
De’Von Achane’s role is also under scrutiny as he averages 17.5 touches per game, an increase from 16.5 last season. While he has proven to be one of Miami’s most dynamic players, scoring from any position on the field, the Dolphins need to find balance. Achane has averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 76 rushing attempts and matches Waddle’s team-high with 29 receptions.
That said, many of Achane’s targets occur near the line of scrimmage, functioning more as an extension of the running game. He has just 195 receiving yards, compared to 236 yards after the catch. While Achane is a pivotal part of the offense, increasing the receiving options could alleviate the burden and help protect him from taking excessive hits throughout the long season.
Exploring Other Receiving Options
The Dolphins have several players who have appeared in every game but have yet to record double-digit receptions. This list includes Julian Hill, Tanner Conner, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Alec Ingold, Ollie Gordon II, and Dee Eskridge. Conner has six receptions for 57 yards this season, while Hill has benefitted from his role as the No. 2 tight end behind Waller.
Westbrook-Ikhine, known for his ability to stretch the field, has averaged over 11 yards per reception in each of his first five seasons with the Tennessee Titans. However, he may be better suited as a No. 3 option rather than a primary target, given his career high of just 40 receptions in a season.
Head coach Mike McDaniel has noted the off-the-ball contributions of Washington and Westbrook-Ikhine, suggesting that their efforts have earned them more opportunities. He emphasized the importance of getting these players involved while maintaining the performance level of the rest of the receiving corps.
The Road Ahead for the Dolphins
As the Dolphins look ahead, they face the challenge of finding a suitable complement to Waddle in the receiving game. With a mix of potential options and the pressing urgency created by Hill’s absence, the team is navigating a complex landscape. Whether it’s through managing player roles or seeking out new talent, Miami’s success in the coming weeks will hinge on their ability to adapt and innovate in their offensive strategies.
