Tight End Comeback Begins with Practice for the Miami Dolphins

For the Miami Dolphins, the return of a key tight end to practice this week isn’t just a small win for the offense—it’s a significant step toward strengthening a position group that has been tested by injuries in recent weeks. Durham Smythe, the Dolphins’ reliable blocking and pass-catching tight end who has been sidelined since Week 14 with a sprained MCL, took the field for limited practice reps on Wednesday, marking the official start of his comeback. Smythe’s absence left a gap in Miami’s offense: he’s a critical blocker for running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, and a trusted short-yardage target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. His return to practice, even in a limited capacity, signals progress for a Dolphins team aiming to solidify its roster ahead of a potential playoff run. Tight End Comeback Begins with Practice for the Miami Dolphins breaks down Smythe’s road to recovery, his impact on the offense, the details of his first practice, and what his return could mean for Miami’s stretch run.

Tight End Comeback Begins with Practice for the Miami Dolphins starts with the context of Smythe’s injury and its effect on the Dolphins. The 28-year-old tight end suffered the sprained MCL during the Dolphins’ Week 14 win over the New York Jets, when he was hit while blocking on a running play. Initial evaluations suggested he would miss 3-4 weeks, a timeline that aligned with his return to practice this week. Without Smythe, the Dolphins leaned heavily on rookie tight end Elijah Higgins and veteran Adam Shaheen, who performed admirably but lacked Smythe’s versatility. Smythe’s value lies in his ability to do both: he’s one of the NFL’s top blocking tight ends (ranking 8th in run-block win rate among tight ends this season) and a consistent pass-catcher (24 receptions for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns in 13 games). “Durham is the kind of player who doesn’t get a lot of headlines, but he’s irreplaceable for us,” said Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith. “He blocks like an offensive lineman and catches like a receiver—you don’t find that combination often. His absence forced us to adjust, but having him back in practice is a huge relief.”

To understand how Tight End Comeback Begins with Practice for the Miami Dolphins unfolded on the field, look at the structure of Smythe’s first practice. The Dolphins’ training staff took a cautious approach, limiting him to individual drills and light team reps to avoid reaggravating his knee. He started with stretching and mobility exercises, focusing on strengthening the muscles around his MCL, before moving to route-running drills with wide receivers and fellow tight ends. Later, he participated in short-yardage blocking drills, working with offensive linemen to create lanes for running backs. Coaches and trainers monitored his movement closely, watching for signs of discomfort, but Smythe appeared fluid in his cuts and showed no hesitation in contact drills. “It felt good to be back out there with the guys,” Smythe said after practice. “The knee is still getting stronger, but I’m taking it one day at a time. The trainers have been great—they’re not rushing me, and that’s helped me stay patient.” While he didn’t participate in full-team scrimmages, his presence alone was a boost for the offense, which has missed his leadership in the huddle.

Tight End Comeback Begins with Practice for the Miami Dolphins also highlights the ripple effect of Smythe’s return on the Dolphins’ offense. With Smythe back, the Dolphins can return to their preferred two-tight end sets, which they used to great effect earlier in the season. These sets allow them to be more balanced: they can run the ball behind Smythe’s blocking or use him as a checkdown target for Tagovailoa when receivers are covered. For the Miami Dolphins, this versatility is key against tough defenses—like the Buffalo Bills, whom they may face again in the playoffs—who often stack the box to stop the run. “Two-tight end sets give us options,” Smith said. “We can run, we can pass, we can play-action—and Durham is the glue that holds that together. Having him back means we can be more unpredictable, and that’s how we create mismatches.” Smythe’s return also takes pressure off Higgins and Shaheen, allowing them to focus on their specific roles rather than filling in for Smythe’s all-around production.

Another layer of Tight End Comeback Begins with Practice for the Miami Dolphins is the reaction from teammates and coaches, who have praised Smythe’s work ethic during his recovery. Tagovailoa, who has developed a strong rapport with Smythe over the years, noted that the tight end’s presence in practice brings a sense of familiarity to the offense. “Durham and I have been on the same page since he got here,” Tagovailoa said. “He knows where I want him to be, and I know he’ll be there when I need him. Having him back in practice makes our offense feel whole again.” Head coach Mike McDaniel, who has emphasized the importance of depth all season, also commended Smythe’s dedication. “Durham didn’t just sit around during his recovery—he was in the meeting room every day, studying film, helping the younger tight ends, and staying engaged,” McDaniel said. “That’s the kind of teammate he is—selfless, hardworking, and committed to the team. His comeback is a testament to that.” For the Miami Dolphins, this kind of leadership is just as valuable as on-field production, especially as the team heads into the high-pressure weeks of the postseason.

The final dimension of Tight End Comeback Begins with Practice for the Miami Dolphins is the timeline for Smythe’s potential return to game action. While he’s back in practice, the Dolphins haven’t yet committed to activating him for their Week 18 matchup against the New England Patriots. McDaniel noted that the team will evaluate Smythe’s progress day by day, with a focus on ensuring he’s fully healthy before he plays. “We won’t put Durham out there until he’s ready—plain and simple,” McDaniel said. “This isn’t about rushing him back for one game; it’s about having him at his best for the playoffs. If that means he sits Week 18, so be it. Our goal is to win a Super Bowl, and we need Durham at 100% to do that.” For the Miami Dolphins, Smythe’s comeback is a reminder of the team’s resilience—they’ve overcome injuries to key players all season, and his return is another example of their ability to adapt and grow. Whether he plays in Week 18 or not, his presence in practice is a sign that the Dolphins are building toward something bigger—and that their offense is getting stronger just in time for the most important games of the year. “I’m just happy to be back,” Smythe said. “Whatever the team needs from me, I’m ready. Let’s go win some games.”