Miami Dolphins Place Key Offensive Piece On IR

Remember when Waller decided to hang up his cleats after the 2023 season? Yeah, well, retirement didn’t stick. The 33-year-old veteran came out of his football sabbatical with renewed energy, ready to make one more run at glory with the Dolphins. After putting together some solid numbers early this season, 10 catches for 117 yards and four touchdowns in just four games, it looked like the old Darren Waller magic was back.

But here’s the thing about “Father Time” and the NFL: they’re both undefeated. Waller’s pectoral injury is just the latest reminder that even the most talented players can’t outrun the physical demands of professional football. The former Pro Bowler has been battling various ailments throughout his career, and this latest setback feels particularly cruel given his inspiring return to the game.

Dolphins Scramble To Fill the Void

Miami wasted no time addressing the roster hole, promoting Greg Dulcich from the practice squad to the active roster. The former Denver Broncos third-round pick brings some legitimate NFL experience to the table—21 career games with 41 receptions for 464 yards and two scores. Not exactly Waller numbers, but Dulcich has shown flashes of being a reliable target when healthy.

The Dolphins also added veteran Chris Myarick to the practice squad, giving them additional depth at the position. It is the kind of quick roster shuffling that teams have to master in the modern NFL, where injuries can derail seasons faster than you can say “Tua’s back.”

The Bigger Picture For Miami’s Season

This Waller injury hits different because of what it represents for the Dolphins’ season. Just when things seemed to be clicking offensively, Miami loses one of its most reliable red-zone threats and veteran leaders. Waller wasn’t just putting up numbers—he was providing the kind of steady presence that can make a quarterback’s job infinitely easier.

The timing couldn’t be worse either. The Dolphins are in the thick of what’s shaping up to be a brutal AFC East race, and losing a key weapon like Waller for at least a month could be the difference between making the playoffs and watching from home. In a division where every game matters, these kinds of injuries can quickly separate the contenders from the pretenders.

What This Means Moving Forward

Here is where things get interesting for Miami. Dulcich has shown he can contribute when given opportunities, but he’s also dealt with his own injury concerns throughout his young career. Miami will need to get creative with its tight end usage to maximize what Dulcich brings to the table.

The silver lining? Waller can return as early as Week 12, assuming his recovery goes smoothly. That would put him back on the field right when Miami might need him most—during the crucial final stretch of the regular season. But banking on a 33-year-old recovering quickly from a pectoral injury feels like playing with house money.

For now, the Dolphins will have to prove they’re more than just a collection of talented individuals. Championship teams find ways to overcome adversity, and Miami’s about to find out what they’re really made of without one of their most experienced playmakers on the field.