The Miami Dolphins enter Thursday Night Football with more questions than answers on offense — and the status of newly acquired tight end Darren Waller remains a key storyline.
Darren Waller’s Status for Week 3
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The Dolphins confirmed on Wednesday that Darren Waller will not play against the Buffalo Bills. The veteran tight end, who came out of retirement this offseason, was listed as a limited participant in practice throughout the week due to a lingering hip injury. Despite that activity, Miami officially ruled him out on the final injury report.
It marks the third straight week that Waller will miss, delaying his much-anticipated debut in a Dolphins uniform.
Waller’s Comeback Effort
After being traded from the New York Giants to Miami this summer, Waller was seen as a potential difference-maker for head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense. At his best, the 31-year-old was one of the NFL’s most dynamic receiving tight ends, twice surpassing 1,100 yards during his time with the Raiders.
While it remains unclear when he’ll return, the fact that he has pushed through rehab and participated on a limited basis suggests that his comeback is still very much on the horizon. “Miami could probably use the athletic tight end, even just in distinct packages, but apparently Waller isn’t quite ready to suit up yet,” one report noted.
Dolphins’ Injury Picture Beyond Waller
Miami won’t be at full strength beyond Waller’s absence. Cornerback Storm Duck (ankle) and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (calf) have also been ruled out. Defensive tackle Benito Jones (oblique) and rookie linebacker Chop Robinson (knee) are questionable.
On offense, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle remains questionable with a shoulder injury after being limited in practice on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Through two games, Waddle has nine catches for 98 yards and one touchdown.
There is some good news: several contributors — including corner Ethan Bonner, offensive lineman Aaron Brewer, receiver Malik Washington, and running back Jaylen Wright — are all expected to be available after clearing the injury report.
Betting Angle: Who Steps Up Without Waller?
With Waller sidelined again, all eyes turn to Tyreek Hill. The star wideout has been targeted 13 times this season, catching 10 passes for 149 yards. Despite not finding the end zone yet, his big-play ability makes him a popular prop bet choice.
One suggested play for Thursday is Hill as an anytime touchdown scorer (+170) at DraftKings Sportsbook, especially with Waddle’s availability uncertain. Against a banged-up Bills secondary, Miami may have no choice but to feature Hill early and often.
What’s Next for Waller and the Dolphins?
The Dolphins are still seeking their first win of 2025, and sitting at 0-2, they now face a tough test against the defending AFC East champions. While the team hoped Waller could provide another reliable target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, patience will be required as he works back into game shape.
For now, the answer is clear: No, Darren Waller is not playing tonight. But his determination to stick through this comeback effort indicates that his Dolphins debut could still be ahead — just not under the primetime lights of Week 3.