During Wednesday's joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins' star wide receiver Tyreek Hill was conspicuously absent from team drills. The absence was notable as the Dolphins aim to prevent a minor thumb injury from escalating.
Hill was initially seen sporting a removable brace on his right hand during Tuesday's practice sessions. Despite this precaution, Hill was still spotted in full pads and catching balls without the cast, indicating that the injury hadn't severely affected his ability to participate.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel remarked on the situation, saying, "Put him at risk for further injury. So he's been very active but we're trying to make sure we keep him out of harm's way." McDaniel's comments underscore the team's strategic decision to limit Hill's involvement in an attempt to safeguard his health.
This decision comes on the heels of a remarkable season for Hill, who led the NFL in receiving yards with a staggering 1,799 yards. Hill also tied with Tampa Bay's Mike Evans for the most receiving touchdowns last season, finding the end zone 13 times. Such stats underscore Hill's critical importance to the team's offensive arsenal.
Hill's presence on the field is all the more crucial given recent developments within the team's roster. Fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been absent from practice for two weeks due to an undisclosed injury. Additionally, River Cracraft is dealing with an upper-body injury, expected to sideline him for some time. The Dolphins are facing significant challenges in maintaining a fully fit receiving corps.
Adding to the context, Hill recently restructured his contract with Miami. In early August, Hill's deal morphed into a lucrative three-year agreement worth $90 million, with $65 million guaranteed. This restructuring not only secures Hill's future with the Dolphins but also reflects his tremendous value to the team.
Hill joined the Dolphins in 2022 following a highly successful six-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. His transition into Miami's lineup has been seamless, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive success. However, the Dolphins' careful management of his current thumb injury illustrates the team's awareness of Hill's essential role. They are playing it safe to ensure his availability when it counts the most.
The Dolphins also have to consider the broader context of their preseason preparations. Odell Beckham Jr. remains on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list with an undisclosed injury, sidelining him throughout training camp. These multiple injury concerns among the wide receiver unit make it even more imperative for the Dolphins to act cautiously with Hill.
As McDaniel highlighted, Hill could have participated fully in the practice but was held back from team drills to avoid any potential aggravation of his injury. This strategic decision aligns with the team’s broader goal of entering the regular season with their key players healthy and ready to perform.
In conclusion, the Miami Dolphins are navigating a complex set of challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season. Managing Tyreek Hill’s thumb injury with cautious optimism, the team hopes to prevent what is currently considered a minor issue from developing into a long-term problem. Given Hill's indispensability and the broader injury concerns within the roster, the Dolphins' approach reflects their commitment to preserving their offensive firepower for when it truly matters.