Waller likely out: McDaniel explains and updates availability of other Dolphins
Tight end Darren Waller sustained a hip strain before a practice this week and is likely out for Sunday’s game at the Colts (1 p.m., CBS-4).
Coach Mike McDaniel said Waller was injured before Wednesday’s practice, delaying his return after spending last season in retirement.
Waller, who last played for the Giants in 2023, spent most of training camp and preseason on the physically unable to perform list, returned to practice on a limited basis last week and was injured a week later. He hasn’t practiced this week because of the hip injury.
The Dolphins had another injury setback this week, when right guard James Daniels sustained a left ankle injury during Thursday’s practice. Daniels -- who sustained a torn right Achilles’ in Week 4 for the Steelers last season -- will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Daniels, who was not spotted during the media viewing portion of Friday’s practice, is a key cog in a new-look Dolphins offensive line. Kion Smith is listed as Daniels’ backup.
Receiver Tyreek Hill (calf/oblique) and running back De’Von Achane (calf) are on track to play on Sunday, McDaniel said. Receiver Dee Eskridge remains in concussion protocol, but McDaniel said he expects him to be cleared on Friday.
McDaniel expects safety Ashtyn Davis to play Sunday; he missed a month with a calf injury before returning to practice on a limited basis last week. “So far, so good,” McDaniel said.
Safety Elijah Campbell, who popped up on the injury report with a knee issue, is expected to play Sunday as well barring a setback.
The Dolphins have only two healthy tight ends on their 53-man roster: Julian Hill and Tanner Conner. They likely will need to create a roster spot for practice squad tight ends Greg Dulcich or Hayden Rucci.
By league rule, Miami can elevate two players off their practice squad for Sunday’s game. One will be kicker Riley Patterson, per general manager Chris Grier. The other elevation could be a running back (Jeff Wilson Jr. or JaMycal Hardy) or a tight end.
The position that isn’t supplemented through a practice squad elevation (running back or tight end) could be filled by releasing a player off the 53-man roster or placing a player on injured reserve. McDaniel said placing cornerback Ethan Bonner (hamstring) or running back Jaylen Wright (leg) on injured reserve has not been discussed.
The Dolphins need to promote or elevate a running back from the practice squad because they have only two healthy running backs on the 53-man roster: Achane and rookie Ollie Gordon II.
This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 11:49 AM.
