During this week's joint practice between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a notable absence from team drills raised a few eyebrows. Miami's star wide receiver Tyreek Hill was kept out of action due to a thumb injury, sparking concern among fans and analysts alike.
A Precautionary Measure
Hill's injury was first noted on Tuesday when he was spotted wearing a removable brace on his right hand. Recognizing the potential risk to one of their key offensive assets, the Dolphins' coaching staff decided to take a preventive approach. According to head coach Mike McDaniel, “Put him at risk for further injury,” was not an option. “So he's been very active but we're trying to make sure we keep him out of harm's way.”
Despite his limited participation, Hill remained active on the field. He was seen in full pads and catching balls without his cast, indicating that the injury might not be as severe as initially feared. McDaniel further elaborated, "Hill could have participated fully in the practice but was held back from team drills to avoid any potential aggravation of his injury."
Hill's Stellar 2022 Performance
Hill’s potential absence in future practices or games would undoubtedly impact the Dolphins, considering his phenomenal performance last season. Hill led the NFL in receiving yards, amassing a staggering 1,799 yards. Additionally, he was tied with Tampa Bay's Mike Evans for the most receiving touchdowns, scoring an impressive 13 touchdowns.
Such statistics underscore Hill's critical role in the Dolphins' offense, which also makes the cautious approach to his injury all the more prudent. The team is acutely aware that any minor issue, if not properly managed, could escalate and have long-term repercussions for both Hill and the Dolphins' overall season performance.
Recent Contract Restructure
In early August, Hill restructured his deal with Miami into a more lucrative three-year contract worth $90 million, with $65 million guaranteed. This restructured contract highlights just how valuable Hill is to the franchise. His joining the Dolphins in 2022 following a highly successful six-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs has already started to pay off, as evidenced by his league-leading performance last season.
Other Injuries on the Squad
Hill is not the only wide receiver dealing with injury issues. Fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has missed the last two weeks of practice with an undisclosed injury, adding to the Dolphins' concerns. Additionally, River Cracraft is dealing with an upper-body injury that is expected to sideline him for some time. As if the stakes weren’t high enough, Odell Beckham Jr. remains on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list with an undisclosed injury, sidelining him throughout training camp.
These injury woes create a challenging situation for the Dolphins' coaching staff as they navigate through the preseason and look forward to the upcoming NFL season. Managing these injuries while preparing the team for high-stakes competition is a delicate balancing act.
As the Dolphins continue their preparations, the health and readiness of key players like Tyreek Hill will be essential for the team's success in the forthcoming season. While the current situation requires caution, the hope is that these preliminary measures will ensure that star players can perform at their best when it matters most.