During Wednesday's joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Miami Dolphins' sideline offered a perplexing sight absent of its electrifying star wide receiver, Tyreek Hill. Hill, who led the NFL in receiving yards with a remarkable 1,799 yards last season and tied for the most receiving touchdowns with 13, was notably missing from team drills due to a thumb injury.
The luminous wideout, initially seen with a removable brace on his right hand during Tuesday's practice sessions, donned full pads on Wednesday and was even spotted catching balls without the cast. However, Head Coach Mike McDaniel made it clear that the team is exercising caution with their prized asset.
"Put him at risk for further injury," McDaniel commented. "So he's been very active but we're trying to make sure we keep him out of harm's way." In doing so, McDaniel emphasized the team’s intent to keep the minor issue from becoming a significant, long-term concern, highlighting that Hill could have participated fully in practice but was held back to avoid any potential aggravation of his injury.
Ensuring Longevity
The Dolphins are focused on maintaining the longevity and health of their offense, a strategy highlighted not just by Hill's managed participation, but also by their recent contractual moves. Earlier in August, Hill restructured his deal with Miami into a lucrative three-year contract worth $90 million, with $65 million guaranteed, following a highly successful six-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs prior to joining the Dolphins in 2022.
Hill's absence from the team drills during this week's joint practice is emblematic of the cautious approach McDaniel and his staff are taking during the preseason—a stark contrast to the high-risk nature of the regular season where Hill's explosive plays are pivotal.
Injuries Galore
Besides Hill, the Dolphins are also dealing with other injury concerns that could affect their offensive dynamics. Fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has missed two weeks of practice with an undisclosed injury, which could impact the team's preparation. Additionally, River Cracraft is expected to be sidelined for some time due to an upper-body injury, while Odell Beckham Jr. remains on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list with an undisclosed injury, keeping him out throughout training camp.
The injuries in the wide receiver corps are undoubtedly a concern for the Dolphins as they prepare for the upcoming season. Yet, the team remains steadfast in its commitment to managing these issues carefully, ensuring that when the season kicks off, their arsenal of receiving threats will be ready and healthy to execute at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
While the preseason is often a dance between preparation and preservation, the Dolphins' coaching staff, led by McDaniel, appears to strike that balance adeptly. As they inch closer to the regular season, ensuring Hill and other key players are kept from harm’s way while still maintaining their competitive edge remains a top priority.
One can expect that as the season approaches, Hill’s presence on the field will be as dynamic as ever, catalyzing an offense that looks to build on a solid 2022 performance. With his record-setting previous season numbers, the Dolphins and their fans can only hope that the brief interruption in Hill’s practice regimen will translate to an even more focused and formidable presence come game day.