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Mike McDaniel, head coach of the Miami Dolphins, watching on ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills on September 18, 2025
The Miami Dolphins did not manage to finish the job on Thursday night, as they fell 31-21 to the Buffalo Bills.
Yet Dolphins fans will feel encouraged about the team’s performance, as they stood toe-to-toe with perhaps the AFC’s best until quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, threw an interception that ended up in the hands of Bills linebacker, Terrel Bernard.
Although right now the main concern will be on defense – especially the injury-hit secondary – head coach, Mike McDaniel, had an encouraging update with regards to the offensive personnel.
Specifically, at tight end – by far the biggest roster weakness on that side of the ball. Having spoken to the media last week, and declared that presumed pre-season starting tight end, Darren Waller, may not ever suit up for the team, McDaniel has now seemingly changed course.
Dolphins Tight End Expected To Start In Week 4, Per McDaniel
Speaking to the media on Friday, the fourth year HC revealed that he expects to see the former Pro Bowler in week 4 against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.
“He had no setbacks,” McDaniel said on Friday, “he had a good pre-game workout. And he looked good. Excited to see him next week.”
Waller has been battling injuries since coming out of retirement to play for Miami, with the Dolphins having traded for him this past summer.
The Dolphins originally expected him to be ready for week one, but a setback a couple of days prior to the season opener delayed his debut with the organization.
What Will Darren Waller Add To The Miami Dolphins Defense?
The Dolphins’ tight end group has been lacking to start the season, as many would have predicted.
Tanner Conner and Julian Hill – the team’s top two options in the absence of Waller – have combined for a total of 4 receptions for 37 yards in the first three games of the season.
Miami is a little over reliant on running back, DeVon Achane in the short passing game, who currently ranks as the team’s second leading receiver, behind only Tyreek Hill.
Considering the Dolphins’ extensive issues on the offensive line, adding a quick, reliable outlet at tight end, like Waller, could relieve some pressure off Tagovailoa, and make defensive coordinators a bit more hesitant towards sending pressure.
But Waller’s contribution will likely not be restricted to the short passing offense, as Waller’s long, agile frame has the potential to make big plays both in the seam and on deep balls.
Even if he is not quite the Pro Bowl, 1,000 yard caliber receiving tight end he was half a decade ago, his presence as an upgrade over Conner and Hill should draw some attention away from other wideouts like Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington.
His impact on the offense will clearly ultimately depend on how quickly and the extent to which he is able to reach the level of play that had McDaniel look to him as the replacement for Jonnu Smith, who was traded to the Steelers as part of the Jalen Ramsey/Minkah Fitzpatrick deal.
Daniel Arwas Daniel Arwas is a sports writer who covers the NFL for Heavy.com. Daniel began his career in sports writing in 2022 and has covered the NFL and college football for Gridiron Heroics and The Hammer. More about Daniel Arwas
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