Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller still not practicing.
Getty
Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller still not practicing.
The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2025 season with many questions.
This team does not have the luxury of a stacked roster.
Instead, there are some questions that need to break their way in order to keep up with the AFC race.
Darren Waller‘s absence is the latest question that feels significant.
Miami Herald Columnist Omar Kelly reported that Waller missed practice for the second straight day.
As the Dolphins prepare to play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Waller’s status remains unclear.
For a team that is flirting with thin margins, starting off the season without their top offensive addition adds weight.
Waller’s Absence Complicates Dolphins Plans
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 10: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins prepares to snap the ball during the first quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on August 10, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Dolphins brought Waller into their building after signing him out of retirement.
GM Chris Grier moved quickly to find an option to replace Jonnu Smith, who left Miami for Pittsburgh.
The intent was for Waller to come in and replicate the success he once had with the Las Vegas (Oakland) Raiders.
Now, it looks like reality might be saying something different.
There is no doubt Waller’s size could give quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a big body to find in the passing game.
He also acts as a good complement to wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jayden Waddle.
However, if Waller can’t go on Sunday, Miami will need to pivot.
Omar Kelly, of the Miami Herald, reported Waller’s absence and made note of the backup plan.
“If Waller isn’t cleared play against the Colts on Friday the Dolphins would be forced to go into Sunday’s game with Julian Hill and Tanner Conner as the only tight ends on the game day roster unless Hayden Rucci and/or Greg Dulcich, the two tight ends who are on the practice squad, get signed to the 53-man roster, or get a practice squad elevation,” said Kelly.
The Dolphins’ offense already has concerns outside of Waller, with the offensive line needing to hold up and the lingering hope Tagovailoa can stay healthy.
Without Waller in the lineup on Sunday, it could create some issues for Mike McDaniel’s offense.
Dolphins Walk A Thin Line In 2025
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel
Getty Maimi Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has been criticized for the team culture.
The Dolphins enter this season as a team needing to get more than a few details right.
The AFC has no shortage of power teams.
The Dolphins made a blockbuster trade sending Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith away to Pittsburgh and brought Minkah Fitzpatrick back to town.
Waller was supposed to help fill a major gap with the departure of Smith.
Instead, bringing Waller into Miami may have been shortsighted based on his history.
“The 32-year-old, who abruptly retired before last season because he supposedly lost his love for the game and needed to work through some mental health issues, practiced on a limited basis earlier this week. But even quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has acknowledged he doesn’t have many reps with the eight-year veteran, which might impact how often he’s targeted,” wrote Kelly.
The reality of these Dolphins is stark.
Miami’s season depends on things breaking right.
The Dolphins season is about to begin, and it feels as though there are already clouds surrounding an important piece of the puzzle in Waller.
Miami needs to have stability to shape a season where there’s no room for slip-ups.