During a joint practice session with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, Miami Dolphins' standout wide receiver Tyreek Hill was noticeably absent from team drills. The reason behind his absence was a thumb injury that had the Dolphins taking extra precautions.
In the earlier practice session on Tuesday, Hill was seen wearing a removable brace on his right hand, prompting concerns among fans and analysts alike. However, the Dolphins' approach is to prevent this minor issue from escalating into something that could have long-term implications.
Head coach Mike McDaniel elaborated on the situation, underscoring the importance of Hill’s health to the team’s success. "Put him at risk for further injury," McDaniel commented. "So he's been very active but we're trying to make sure we keep him out of harm's way."
Despite the injury, Hill was spotted in full pads and actively catching balls without the cast, a reassuring sight for the Dolphins' faithful. McDaniel further noted that Hill could have participated fully in the practice but was held back from team drills to avoid any potential aggravation of his injury.
A Stellar Performance Last Season
The 2022 season saw Hill at the pinnacle of his career, leading the NFL in receiving yards with an astounding 1,799 yards. He also tied Tampa Bay's Mike Evans for the most receiving touchdowns, each finding the end zone 13 times. This level of performance underscores why the Dolphins are taking a cautious approach with their star player.
Hill's impact on the field extends beyond just his yardage and touchdowns. His mere presence can change the dynamics of a game, making him a critical asset for the Dolphins. The team is well-aware of what they stand to lose should this injury become more severe.
Contract Restructuring Enhances Hill’s Value
Adding another layer to Hill's importance to the team, the wide receiver restructured his deal with Miami earlier this month. The new contract, valued at $90 million over three years with $65 million guaranteed, reflects the Dolphins' commitment to keeping Hill in their lineup for the foreseeable future. Hill joined the Dolphins in 2022 after a highly successful six-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Injury Concerns Extend Beyond Hill
Hill is not the only receiver grappling with injury concerns. Fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has missed two weeks of practice with an undisclosed injury. Additionally, River Cracraft is dealing with an upper-body injury that is expected to sideline him for a considerable period. As if these setbacks weren't enough, Odell Beckham Jr. is on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with an undisclosed injury, keeping him out throughout the training camp.
The Dolphins, thus, find themselves in a delicate situation, juggling multiple injuries within their receiving corps while gearing up for the upcoming season. The cautious approach with Hill, as well as the management of other injuries, highlights the team's focus on long-term success over short-term gains.
For a team with legitimate playoff aspirations, the health of key players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will be instrumental. As the Dolphins navigate these challenges, fans and analysts will be keenly observing how the team manages these injuries in the run-up to the new season.
Keeping star players healthy and game-ready will be a critical element for the Dolphins’ coaching staff. As such, expect the team to be vigilant and perhaps more conservative in their approach during the preseason, ensuring that when the regular season kicks off, their key assets are ready to deliver top-notch performances.