MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins’ tight end situation took another blow this week after veteran Darren Waller sustained a hip strain, just weeks after being activated from the physically unable to perform list.
Head coach Mike McDaniel said Friday that Waller experienced a setback before Wednesday’s practice and is “likely out this week” as the team will face the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 1.
The 32-year-old former Pro Bowler, who briefly stepped away from football earlier this year, had returned to the field Aug. 20 after Miami acquired him in a trade with the New York Giants.
The Dolphins sent a conditional sixth-round pick in 2026 to New York in exchange for Waller and a 2027 seventh-rounder, finalizing a move that brought the veteran pass-catcher out of retirement.
Waller, who was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020 with the Raiders, has 350 career receptions for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns across eight seasons.
Miami had hoped his arrival would provide a proven target at tight end after the team traded Jonnu Smith along with cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The setback is another challenge for a Dolphins roster that has been plagued by injuries since the start of training camp, particularly in the secondary.
On Thursday, offensive lineman James Daniels also left practice with an ankle injury and McDaniel said he is “questionable” for Week 1.
Waller’s addition was viewed as a low-risk, high-reward move for a team already loaded with offensive playmakers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. He had previously said he would only consider a return to football if it meant playing in Miami.
Now, just two weeks after his activation, his status is uncertain. The Dolphins will now turn to Tanner Conner and Julian Hill at tight end.
In some positive news for Miami, McDaniel said that wide receiver Tyreek Hill and running back De’Von Achane are “absolutely” on track to play in Week 1.
Kickoff at Indianapolis is set for 1 p.m. Sunday.
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