During Wednesday's joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Miami Dolphins had to proceed without their standout wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The dynamic playmaker was noticeably absent from team drills, owing to a thumb injury.
Hill's absence from drills wasn't entirely unexpected. On Tuesday, he was seen wearing a removable brace on his right hand, a precautionary measure the team has embraced to ensure the issue does not develop into a long-term problem. Despite this precaution, Hill was participating in other aspects of practice, spotted in full pads, and even catching balls without the cast.
Protecting the Future
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel shed light on the decision to limit Hill's participation. "Put him at risk for further injury," McDaniel explained. "So he's been very active but we're trying to make sure we keep him out of harm's way." It was clear that the coaching staff was keen on ensuring that Hill's thumb injury would not escalate. McDaniel emphasized that Hill could have taken part fully in practice, but the team opted to err on the side of caution to prevent any aggravation of the injury.
Key Player Amid High Stakes
The Dolphins' careful approach is understandable given Hill's immense value to the team. Last season, Hill led the NFL with a staggering 1,799 receiving yards, underscoring his critical role in the Dolphins' offensive unit. His 13 receiving touchdowns tied him with Tampa Bay's Mike Evans for the top spot, further highlighting his prowess as one of the league's elite receivers.
Hill's impressive performance was recognized by the franchise, leading to a restructured contract in early August. The new deal, worth a lucrative $90 million over three years with $65 million guaranteed, underscores the Dolphins' commitment to securing Hill's talents for the foreseeable future.
Hill's journey to Miami has been noteworthy. After a highly successful six-year tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he established himself as one of the premier wideouts in the league, Hill joined the Dolphins in 2022. His arrival has significantly boosted the team's offensive capabilities, making his health and availability crucial for the Dolphins' aspirations this season.
Injury Woes for Receivers
Hill isn't the only wide receiver on the Dolphins' injury report. Fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has also been sidelined, missing two weeks of practice due to an undisclosed injury. River Cracraft is another name on the injury list, dealing with an upper-body ailment that is expected to keep him out for some time.
Adding to the list of casualties, Odell Beckham Jr. is currently on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, sidelined throughout the training camp with an undisclosed injury. This spate of injuries among key receivers underscores the importance of managing player health as the season approaches.
The Dolphins' management and coaching staff are evidently prioritizing the long-term health and availability of their top talents over short-term gains. With the season drawing closer, maintaining the fitness of players like Tyreek Hill could be instrumental in ensuring the team competes at the highest level.