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Big Development Emerges on Darren Waller’s Miami Dolphins Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 12:51 PM ET

Once one of the best tight ends in the league, Darren Waller, who was named to the Pro Bowl as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, has had a rough stretch during the last few years of his NFL career.

In his two seasons immediately after his career year with the Raiders, Waller appeared in just 20 total games, and left a lot to be desired whenever he won on the field, recording a combined 83 receptions and five touchdowns. Though these numbers are not bad on their own, given how productive he had been with the Raiders to that point, and signing a three-year, $51 million contract, his performance was a bit disappointing.

Furthermore, after an uneventful season with the New York Giants in 2023, the Maryland native retired from the NFL and did not play at all last year. However, after choosing to come out of retirement in 2025, Waller was traded to the Miami Dolphins.

Three weeks into the NFL season, Waller has yet to make his debut for the team due to a hip injury. However, head coach Mike McDaniel provided a major update on the tight end on Friday that will be worth monitoring.

Darren Waller Nearly Made His Dolphins Debut In Week 3 Against the Buffalo Bills

The Dolphins are 0-3 to start the season and desperately need a boost on the offensive side of the ball. Fortunately for them, they may get that for their Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post.

"Darren Waller (hip) was super close for last night. Maybe if it was Sunday, Mike McDaniel said. He feels very good about next game. That’s the expectation," Joe Schad wrote on X.

Darren Waller (hip) was super close for last night. Maybe if it was Sunday, Mike McDaniel said. He feels very good about next game. That’s the expectation.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) September 19, 2025

Waller has been out of the NFL for over a year, but he could still provide a major boost to a Dolphins offense that needs it.

Through their first three games of the season, the Dolphins have scored 56 total points, which ranks as the eighth-worst in the NFL so far. Furthermore, they have yet to throw a touchdown to a tight end this season.

Miami has not gotten off to a hot start, and it will be difficult for them to bounce back and re-establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the AFC. However, getting Waller back could greatly benefit them and give them an opportunity to begin getting things back on track.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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