If you really believed that Darren Waller would be playing for the Miami Dolphins in their opening day tilt against the Indianapolis Colts, you might want to refrain from buying a used car from some guy named Buddy. You might be having a severe case of the gullible.
Waller, who has played in just 32 NFL games over the last four years, and in nary a one since January 2024, was acquired by the Dolphins in a low-risk trade with the New York Giants early in the Summer. Miami was on the lookout for a replacement for last year’s starting tight end, Jonnu Smith, who left via free agency for Pittsburgh this offseason.
The risk may have been low – basically a late-round pick swap and a two-million-dollar contract – but the reliability was even lower. Waller is attempting a comeback after retiring last season. He may have a genuine desire to resume his career, but his age and injury history suggest it will be an uphill climb.
Will the Colts see Darren Waller on the field in Week 1?
Waller has not been officially ruled out yet. But it seems almost impossible that he could play. It was going to be a long shot even before Friday. Waller had not practiced a single day with Miami since signing his contract back in July.
Then on Friday, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel announced Waller had suffered a setback and was “unlikely” to play in Week 1. Unless McDaniel is pulling a massive con game – a move which is heavily frowned upon by the league – it seems as if Dolphin fans will have to wait at least one more week to see their new tight end in action.
For a brief stretch, Darren Waller was among the most exciting tight ends in the league. 6’6” with wide receiver speed and route-running, Waller was a fantastic threat for the Raiders back in 2020. Over two years (1999-2000), he caught almost 200 balls for more than 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The receiver skill came naturally. Before converting to tight end, the Georgia Tech alum had been a mediocre backup wide receiver. Four years into his pro career, he made the transition and took the league by storm.
But it wouldn’t last. Injuries became a constant drag. Because he seemed new, it was easy for fans to forget that by the time he hit it big, he was almost 30. Crossing the 30-year-old threshold with nagging injuries is never a good sign for an NFL player – especially one who relies on his legs as much as Waller.
So now, he is still hurt and undoubtedly rusty. Worst of all, no one really knows whether he still has the physical skills that made him so promising five years ago.
Without Waller on the field, the Dolphins will rely on in-line blocker Julian Hill, who caught all of 12 passes last year, as their most experienced tight end. Fourth-year pro Tanner Connor, a special teamer with a total of three NFL receptions, is also on the roster.
Two of Miami’s biggest offensive weapons – running back De’Von Achane and wideout Tyreek Hill - have also been dealing with injuries that have limited their practice this week. Both are expected to be available on Sunday.
But not Darren Waller. The Colts' defense is still a work in progress, especially in the secondary, so they should not be taking anyone for granted. The task may have grown a bit easier given Waller’s status, but Indy’s defense still needs to get off to a strong start in Week 1.