The Miami Dolphins fell to 1-6 on Sunday, as they got thrashed by the also formerly one-win Cleveland Browns, who now rise to 2-5, 31-6.
Another poor defeat leaves the Dolphins second only to the New York Jets in both the AFC East and conference in its totality (along with the 1-6 Tennessee Titans).
One of the bright sparks for Miami and their offense – especially in the wake of Tyreek Hill‘s season-ending injury – has been the emergence of tight end, Darren Waller.
Darren Waller Injured In Sunday’s Loss To Cleveland
But it looks like that spark may be temporarily faded after the former New York Giant suffered a peck injury on Sunday, which ESPN’s Adam Schefter called a week-to-week injury in a report on Monday.
“Tests showed that Dolphins TE Darren Waller has a strained pectoral that is not expected to require surgery, per source.” Schefter said. “He will be considered âweek to week at this point.”
Head coach, Mike McDaniel then spoke to the media, and confirmed that the former Pro Bowler will, in all likelihood, not be available to play next weekend at the Atlanta Falcons.
“Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel tells reporters QB Tua Tagovailoa will be the starter this week. Eliminates that question amid Tua and team struggles.” NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe wrote on Monday. “McDaniel says he doesnât anticipate Darren Waller (pec strain) playing within next week (Sunday at Falcons, Thursday vs. Ravens).”
Darren Waller Expected To Miss The Next Two Games With Injury
Waller was bought in this offseason after the team traded away Jonnu Smith, who proved to be one of the big surprises at tight end in 2024, managing 884 yards and 8 touchdowns on the season.
There was certain trepidation in bringing the 33-year old on behalf of the Dolphins, not least because Waller had been retired for just over a year prior to him signing with Miami, which had lead him to miss the entirety of the 2024 season.
To make things worse, Waller’s debut had to be suspended for nearly the first month as he dealt with setbacks to injuries.
But when he has hit the field, he has been a revelation for the organization, managing 8 receptions for 105 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first two games for the team.
Who Will The Dolphins Turn To Without Waller?
Miami does not have a clear, “next up” tight end who can reliably contribute in the passing game.
Waller’s targets will likely be divided between 2023 undrafted free agent, Julian Hill, who currently has 77 receiving yards on the season – just 23 behind his season total of 100 in the entirety of the 2024 season, and Tanner Conner, who currently has 85 this year – the most of his career to date.
Neither player is truly sufficient to be the primary tight end, long term, on a high-firing offense. But thankfully for the Dolphins, Waller should hopefully return to the team by week 10. And, perhaps more realistically, Waller’s injury won’t exactly have a big impact on their playoff hopes, which seem to already be all-but-finished just seven games into the season.
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