Darren Waller becomes the Dolphins' latest annual injury enigma for Miami — but it's probably time to give it a rest

"While trying to prevent a setback, (Waller) had a setback before practice and so he's being challenged — the most eager player to play has another challenge. I know he's up for it. I don't think he's going to play this week, which wasn't planned."

— Head coach Mike McDaniel on the status of TE Darren Waller

It's an unfortunate turn for Waller, although his return to action has yet to really gain traction beyond some select participation in some practices. McDaniel seemed to suggest mid-week that Waller's usage early on would be focused on the third down and in the red zone. Now, the focus will be on trying to get healthy. But there's another layer to this, too. As Waller goes down, Miami will likely need to elevate an additional player off their practice squad. It would leave just two tight ends on the active roster.

Given the status of kicker Jason Sanders and the injury to running back Jaylen Wright, the Dolphins have already concluded that they'll be using their designations for kicker Riley Patterson and a running back. The Dolphins are likely staring down the barrel of needing to open up a 53-man roster spot — as you only get to practice squad elevations per week. McDaniel was asked about Miami's other two injured players, Wright and cornerback Ethan Bonner. And McDaniel quickly dismissed that either had been considered for an injured reserve designation for either.

Waller could be the shoe that drops, either as an injured reserve designation of his own or as potentially a cut. He's got no guaranteed money on his contract and the Dolphins haven't really invested time on task within the offense due to his rehab schedule. Tight end Greg Dulcich lingers on the practice squad as a potential call up.

Regardless, the Waller situation has gone from unconventional to inconvenient and, now, irritating. His presence as a talking point is relatively benign in the grand scheme of Miami's plans — Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De'Von Achane, Tua Tagovailoa, Alec Ingold, every starter on the offensive line and probably rookie running back Ollie Gordon II loom as more important pieces to Miami's offense this season. McDaniel said it himself — Waller's early opportunities were presumably going to be limited to a select package of red zone and third down reps. Through that scope, the focus on his status doesn't seem to match the magnitude of the impact. Waller was always a lottery ticket versus a central piece.

This is not to say it's time to pull the plug. But it's probably time to give it a rest. This year's annual injury watch player doesn't appear close to ready to help Miami. Plan accordingly.

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