Designated to Return from IR: Waller for the Miami Dolphins

In the high-stakes race for an NFL playoff spot, a key player’s return from injured reserve can be the spark a struggling team needs to reignite its momentum. For the Miami Dolphins—mired in a post-bye slump that has threatened their AFC East title hopes—that spark arrived this week with a critical roster move: Designated to Return from IR: Waller for the Miami Dolphins. Tight end Darren Waller, who has been sidelined since Week 8 with a Grade 2 calf strain, has officially begun his 21-day practice window, putting him on track to return for the Dolphins’ final two regular-season games. For a team that has struggled to replace Tyreek Hill’s playmaking and fix a sputtering passing attack, Waller’s comeback isn’t just a roster update—it’s a lifeline that could reshape their playoff fate.

Designated to Return from IR: Waller for the Miami Dolphins comes after a frustrating stretch for the veteran tight end, who worked tirelessly to recover from an injury that initially seemed minor. Waller suffered the calf strain during a Week 8 win over the New York Jets, leaving the game in the third quarter after hauling in three catches for 45 yards. At first, the Dolphins hoped he’d miss just one or two games, but a setback during rehab in Week 10 forced the team to place him on IR—requiring a minimum four-game absence. “It was tough watching from the sidelines, especially as the team went through its struggles,” Waller said in his first media availability since the injury. “I did everything I could to get back faster—extra rehab sessions, working with the trainers every day—but we wanted to make sure I was 100 percent. There’s no point in coming back if I can’t play at my best.” Waller’s patience paid off: MRI results this week confirmed his calf has fully healed, and he participated in his first full practice on Wednesday.

Designated to Return from IR: Waller for the Miami Dolphins also highlights the massive void he left in the Dolphins’ offense during his absence. Before the injury, Waller was emerging as Tua Tagovailoa’s most reliable secondary target, recording 28 receptions for 350 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. His ability to line up in the slot, out wide, or in-line created mismatches for opposing defenses—especially against linebackers and safeties who couldn’t match his speed or size (6-foot-6, 245 pounds). Without Waller, the Dolphins’ tight end group collapsed: backup Mike Gesicki managed just 12 receptions for 105 yards in six games, and the team’s red zone efficiency dropped from 70 percent to 55 percent. “Darren is more than just a tight end—he’s a chess piece,” Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith said. “We use him to open up the field for Tyreek [Hill] and Jaylen [Waddle], and without him, defenses could focus more on those two. That’s a big reason our passing game struggled so much post-bye.” Waller’s return will force defenses to spread out again, creating more space for Hill (who is also returning from a hamstring injury) and Waddle to make plays.

Designated to Return from IR: Waller for the Miami Dolphins arrives at a perfect time, as the team desperately needs a boost for its make-or-break final two games. The Dolphins face the Baltimore Ravens (13-2) at home this week and the Buffalo Bills (11-4) on the road in Week 18—two games they likely need to win to secure a playoff spot. Waller’s presence will not only help the passing game but also improve the Dolphins’ running attack: his blocking ability in-line can open up holes for Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, who have seen their production dip since Waller’s injury. “Having Darren back will make us a more balanced offense,” Tagovailoa said after practice. “He’s a guy I can trust to make a catch in traffic, and he’s also a great blocker. That balance is something we’ve been missing, and it’ll be huge against teams like Baltimore and Buffalo.” The Miami Dolphins’ offense has scored just 21 points per game since Waller’s injury; with him back, they’re hoping to return to the 28 points per game they averaged in the first eight weeks.

Designated to Return from IR: Waller for the Miami Dolphins also includes a cautious approach from the team, which doesn’t want to risk re-injury. While Waller is eligible to play against the Ravens, head coach Mike McDaniel said the team will evaluate his practice performance this week before making a final decision. “We’re not going to rush him back,” McDaniel said. “Darren is important to us, but so is his long-term health. We’ll see how he looks in practice—how his calf holds up during full-speed drills—and go from there. If he’s ready, great. If not, we’ll wait until Week 18 against Buffalo.” Even if Waller doesn’t play against the Ravens, his return to practice will help the Dolphins prepare: he can simulate Ravens tight end Mark Andrews in scout team drills, giving the defense a better look at what they’ll face on Sunday. “Even if I’m not playing, I can still contribute,” Waller said. “I know Mark well—we’ve trained together in the offseason—and I can help our defense get ready for him. Every little bit counts right now.” The Miami Dolphins’ careful planning shows they’re prioritizing sustainability over a quick fix, ensuring Waller is healthy for the games that matter most.

Designated to Return from IR: Waller for the Miami Dolphins wraps up with the team feeling a renewed sense of hope as they enter the final stretch. After a post-bye slump defined by injuries and inconsistency, Waller’s comeback—paired with Hill’s return—gives the Dolphins a chance to reclaim the offensive firepower that made them one of the NFL’s most exciting teams early in the season. For Waller, who signed a four-year extension with the Dolphins in the offseason, the return is also a chance to prove his value after a injury-plagued 2024 season. “I came to Miami to win,” Waller said. “This team has the talent to make a deep playoff run, and I want to be a part of that. Getting back on the field and helping this team win is all I care about right now.” In the end, Designated to Return from IR: Waller for the Miami Dolphins is more than just a roster move—it’s a sign that the Dolphins aren’t ready to give up on their 2025 season. With Waller back, they have a fighting chance to turn their fortunes around and make a push for the playoffs. And in the NFL, sometimes all you need is one spark to reignite a championship-caliber team.