Three Weeks to Activate TE for the Miami Dolphins

As the Miami Dolphins enter the final stretch of the regular season and gear up for a potential playoff run, one position has emerged as a critical priority: tight end. The Dolphins have been without their top tight end, Durham Smythe, since Week 13, when he suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in a win over the New York Jets. With Smythe eligible to return from injured reserve (IR) in three weeks—just in time for the playoffs—the Dolphins are racing to get him healthy and integrated back into their offense. Smythe’s return could provide a much-needed boost to Miami’s passing attack, which has relied heavily on wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in recent weeks. Three Weeks to Activate TE for the Miami Dolphins explores the urgency around Smythe’s recovery, his importance to the Dolphins’ offense, and how his return could shape the team’s postseason chances.

Three Weeks to Activate TE for the Miami Dolphins begins with the context of Smythe’s injury and the void it has left in Miami’s offense. Smythe, a sixth-year veteran, isn’t the flashiest tight end in the NFL, but he’s a reliable playmaker who excels in both blocking and receiving. Before his injury, he had caught 28 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns, serving as a safety valve for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on third downs and in the red zone. His blocking was equally valuable, helping spring running back Raheem Mostert for several long gains and protecting Tagovailoa from edge rushers. Since Smythe’s absence, the Dolphins have turned to backup tight ends Tyler Kroft and Hunter Long, who have combined for just 12 catches for 108 yards and no touchdowns. “Durham does all the little things that make our offense work,” said Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. “He’s the kind of player who doesn’t get a lot of headlines, but we’ve felt his absence every week. His ability to block, catch, and make smart decisions on the field is irreplaceable right now.” The Dolphins’ red-zone efficiency has also dropped since Smythe’s injury, falling from 65% (1st in the NFL) to 52% (12th in the NFL) in the three games he’s missed.

A key update on Smythe’s recovery is his recent progress in practice and the Dolphins’ cautious timeline. Smythe was designated for return from IR last week, which opened a 21-day window for the Dolphins to activate him to the 53-man roster. He has since participated in light practice drills, including individual blocking exercises and walkthroughs with the offense, but has not yet taken part in full-contact team work. Dolphins medical staff have described his recovery as “on track,” but they’re taking a slow approach to avoid re-injury. “We’re not going to rush Durham back,” said Dolphins head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion. “The MCL is a critical ligament for a tight end, who needs to pivot, block, and catch without hesitation. We want to make sure he’s 100fore he steps back on the field—both for his health and for the team’s success.” Smythe has been working with a physical therapist daily, focusing on strengthening his knee and improving his range of motion. He told reporters this week that he’s “feeling good” and “taking it one day at a time,” but he declined to put a specific date on his return.

A critical aspect of Three Weeks to Activate TE for the Miami Dolphins is how Smythe’s return will enhance the Dolphins’ offensive versatility—and what it means for the current Miami Dolphins team. McDaniel’s offense is built on misdirection and creating mismatches, and Smythe’s presence allows the Dolphins to run more two-tight end sets, which can confuse defenses. With Smythe back, the Dolphins can use him to block for Mostert on running plays, then line him up in the slot to exploit slower linebackers in coverage. This versatility will be especially important in the playoffs, where defenses are more disciplined and less likely to be caught off guard by simple schemes. “Adding Durham back gives us so many more options,” said Tagovailoa. “When he’s on the field, I can look to him for a quick pass on third down, or he can block to give me more time to find Tyreek or Jaylen downfield. He makes the offense more dynamic, and that’s exactly what we need in the playoffs.” For the Miami Dolphins, Smythe’s return isn’t just about adding another receiver—it’s about restoring the balance and flexibility that made their offense one of the league’s best earlier in the season.

Another important angle of Three Weeks to Activate TE for the Miami Dolphins is the competition for roster spots and how Smythe’s activation will impact the Dolphins’ depth. If the Dolphins activate Smythe within the three-week window, they’ll need to make a corresponding move to clear a spot on the 53-man roster. The most likely candidates to be waived or placed on IR are backup tight end Hunter Long, who has seen limited snaps, or a reserve offensive lineman. This decision will depend on Smythe’s progress in practice and the Dolphins’ other injury concerns—especially on the offensive line, where left tackle Terron Armstead has been dealing with a knee injury. “Every roster spot matters this time of year,” said Dolphins general manager Chris Grier. “We have to make sure that when we activate Durham, we’re not weakening another part of the team. We’ll evaluate the roster week by week and make the best decision for the team’s overall success.” For the Miami Dolphins, this roster move is a small but important part of their playoff preparation, as they look to field the strongest possible team for a deep postseason run.

Wrapping up Three Weeks to Activate TE for the Miami Dolphins is the stakes of Smythe’s return and what it means for the Dolphins’ Super Bowl aspirations. The Dolphins currently hold the AFC’s No. 3 seed with a 10-5 record, and they’re in contention for a first-round bye. A healthy Smythe could be the difference between a short playoff run and a trip to the Super Bowl, as he provides the offense with a reliable third option and improves the team’s red-zone efficiency. His return also sends a message to the rest of the team that the Dolphins are fully healthy and ready to compete with the NFL’s best. “Durham’s comeback is a symbol of our team’s resilience,” said McDaniel. “We’ve faced injuries all season, but we’ve kept fighting. Having him back will give us a boost of confidence, and it will make us a better team overall.” As the Dolphins enter the final three weeks of the regular season, all eyes will be on Smythe’s practice reps and the team’s decision to activate him. Three Weeks to Activate TE for the Miami Dolphins isn’t just about one player’s recovery—it’s about a team’s push to win a championship, and how every piece of the puzzle matters in the pursuit of glory.