Darren Waller misses second straight Dolphins practice
As the season opener approaches, doubt about Darren Waller’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts is beginning to grow.
Waller, the Miami Dolphins’ top offensive addition this offseason, missed the media’s viewing portion of Thursday’s practice, which coach Mike McDaniel insinuated the veteran tight end was being rested Wednesday to ensure his participation.
Thursday’s practice was a red zone and third-down heavy work day, and the Dolphins are hopeful that Waller, who came out of retirement earlier this summer to replace Jonnu Smith as Miami’s starting tight end, would be impactful on those critical downs during the season.
But Waller has been nursing a hip injury since joining the team, and didn’t participate in a single training camp practice. The 32-year-old, who abruptly retired before last season because he supposedly lost his love for the game and needed to work through some mental health issues, practiced on a limited basis earlier this week. But even quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has acknowledged he doesn’t have many reps with the eight-year veteran, which might impact how often he’s targeted.
If Waller isn’t cleared play against the Colts on Friday the Dolphins would be forced to go into Sunday’s game with Julian Hill and Tanner Conner as the only tight ends on the game day roster unless Hayden Rucci and/or Greg Dulcich, the two tight ends who are on the practice squad, get signed to the 53-man roster, or get a practice squad elevation.
Problem with elevating them is the fact Miami will need to use one of the two elevations allowed on kicker Riley Patterson, who will be called up for the next three weeks to replaced Jason Sanders, who is sidelined by a hip injury that got him placed on injured reserve. The Dolphins might also be forced to elevate a practice squad tailback — Jeff Wilson Jr. or JaMycal Hasty — because De’Von Achane and rookie Ollie Gordon II are the only healthy tailbacks available in the 53-man roster.
