The Miami Dolphins picked up their first win of the 2025 campaign in Week 4, but it came at a cost, as star wide receiver Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending knee injury along the way. That means several other players are going to have to step up on offense in his absence, with one of them being veteran tight end Darren Waller.
After coming out of retirement to join the Dolphins, Waller finally took the field for his first game with his new team on Monday Night Football, and he promptly responded by hauling in a pair of touchdowns. With Hill out, Miami is going to have to find a way to replace his lost production, and Waller revealed how he believes the team can accomplish that moving forward.
Darren Waller Dishes on Dolphins’ Offense
Since entering the NFL back in 2016, Hill has been one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. He was off to another hot start this season, racking up 21 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown through what essentially amounted to three-and-a-half games before he suffered a dislocated knee against the New York Jets.
With Hill out, that means fellow star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is going to have to step up and become Tua Tagovailoa’s top target in the passing game now, with Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine filling in behind him. Of course, Waller is manning down the fort at tight end, and De’Von Achane also remains a weapon both on the ground and in the air at running back.
Waller showed out in his first game back on Monday night, and considering how much success Jonnu Smith had in the team’s offense last season, the natural inclination is to believe that Waller’s role will expand moving forward. And while that could very well be what ends up happening, Waller believes that everybody is going to have to step up on offense for the Dolphins if they are going to be able to get by without Hill.
“I think it’s more opportunities for everybody,” Waller said on Wednesday. “You’re talking about a guy that’s one of the most unique players we’ve ever seen, so I don’t think one person could come to replacing what he does, it’s a whole unit thing. A lot of guys are going to have to chip in, and it’s what I think is beautiful about this game, the next man up opportunity. It’s gonna take all of us.”
Dolphins Looking to Continue Their Winning Ways in Week 5
GettyMiami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel reacting in the middle of an NFL game against the New York Jets.
Miami’s offense was struggling even when Hill was on the field, so getting by without him is going to be easier said than done. However, the team showed great resolve in Week 4 by not letting Hill’s injury get to them, as they managed to hold on and close out the Jets for their first victory of the 2025 season.
The Dolphins will have a great opportunity to continue their winning ways when they return to action in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. In Week 4, the Panthers got steamrolled by the New England Patriots, so if Miami can turn in another solid game, they should be able to come out on top. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and fans will be curious to see what the Dolphins‘ offense looks like with Hill no longer in the picture.
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