Posted on Oct 03

Dolphins' McDaniel on Hill's absence: "It's the execution of the overall group."

Posted Oct 3, 2025

The Miami Dolphins face a significant challenge as they navigate the absence of star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is out for the season following surgery on a dislocated left knee.

Why it matters: Hill's injury not only affects the Dolphins' offensive dynamics but also places added pressure on other players to step up in key roles during the remainder of the season.

With Hill sidelined, the Dolphins must adapt their offensive strategies to ensure continued effectiveness in the passing game.
The team has only played one game without Hill since acquiring him in 2022, which was a dominant 30-0 victory over the Jets earlier this season.

What’s new: Jaylen Waddle will take on a more prominent role in Hill's absence, supported by an enhanced focus on tight end Darren Waller.

Waddle, who signed a three-year, $84.75 million extension last May, ranks 15th in receiving yards and 10th in yards per catch since joining the NFL in 2021.
Waller, who caught two touchdown passes in his debut last week, is expected to increase his snap count from 16 out of 58 offensive plays as he adjusts to his new team.

Yes, but: The Dolphins remain optimistic about their ability to compensate for Hill's loss through a collective team effort.

Head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized that losing a player of Hill's caliber requires contributions from the entire roster rather than relying on any single individual.
“We have capable football players that I’m very confident in,” McDaniel stated, reinforcing the need for a unified approach to maintain their competitive edge.

What to watch: As the Dolphins prepare for upcoming matchups, keep an eye on how Waddle and Waller integrate into the offense without Hill.

Waddle's ability to stretch the field could be crucial, especially given his seven receptions of 50 or more yards—tied for the eighth-most since entering the league.
Waller's performance may be pivotal as he adjusts to a larger role, providing Tua Tagovailoa with another reliable target.

The big picture: This situation highlights the complexities of NFL offenses, particularly those utilizing a spread or West Coast scheme, where versatility among skill players is essential.

As the Dolphins adjust, their success will depend on executing plays effectively and maintaining balance across the field.
The next few games will be critical in determining whether the Dolphins can sustain their playoff aspirations despite Hill's absence.

The bottom line: While Tyreek Hill's injury is a substantial blow to the Dolphins, the team's resilience and depth will be tested as they strive to keep their season on track.

With Waddle stepping up and Waller becoming more involved, Miami aims to mitigate the impact of Hill's departure and continue pursuing their goals in a competitive AFC landscape.

Dolphins' McDaniel on Hill's absence: "It's the execution of the overall group."

Alex Parker

Posted Oct 3, 2025

The Miami Dolphins face a significant challenge as they navigate the absence of star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is out for the season following surgery on a dislocated left knee.

Why it matters: Hill's injury not only affects the Dolphins' offensive dynamics but also places added pressure on other players to step up in key roles during the remainder of the season.

With Hill sidelined, the Dolphins must adapt their offensive strategies to ensure continued effectiveness in the passing game.

The team has only played one game without Hill since acquiring him in 2022, which was a dominant 30-0 victory over the Jets earlier this season.

What’s new: Jaylen Waddle will take on a more prominent role in Hill's absence, supported by an enhanced focus on tight end Darren Waller.

Waddle, who signed a three-year, $84.75 million extension last May, ranks 15th in receiving yards and 10th in yards per catch since joining the NFL in 2021.

Waller, who caught two touchdown passes in his debut last week, is expected to increase his snap count from 16 out of 58 offensive plays as he adjusts to his new team.

Yes, but: The Dolphins remain optimistic about their ability to compensate for Hill's loss through a collective team effort.

Head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized that losing a player of Hill's caliber requires contributions from the entire roster rather than relying on any single individual.

“We have capable football players that I’m very confident in,” McDaniel stated, reinforcing the need for a unified approach to maintain their competitive edge.

What to watch: As the Dolphins prepare for upcoming matchups, keep an eye on how Waddle and Waller integrate into the offense without Hill.

Waddle's ability to stretch the field could be crucial, especially given his seven receptions of 50 or more yards—tied for the eighth-most since entering the league.

Waller's performance may be pivotal as he adjusts to a larger role, providing Tua Tagovailoa with another reliable target.

The big picture: This situation highlights the complexities of NFL offenses, particularly those utilizing a spread or West Coast scheme, where versatility among skill players is essential.

As the Dolphins adjust, their success will depend on executing plays effectively and maintaining balance across the field.

The next few games will be critical in determining whether the Dolphins can sustain their playoff aspirations despite Hill's absence.

The bottom line: While Tyreek Hill's injury is a substantial blow to the Dolphins, the team's resilience and depth will be tested as they strive to keep their season on track.

With Waddle stepping up and Waller becoming more involved, Miami aims to mitigate the impact of Hill's departure and continue pursuing their goals in a competitive AFC landscape.