During a joint practice session with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, Miami Dolphins’ star wide receiver Tyreek Hill was notably absent from team drills. The reason for his absence was a thumb injury, which had the team’s coaching staff taking a precautionary approach to avoid exacerbating the problem.
Hill initially raised concerns when he was seen sporting a removable brace on his right hand during Tuesday's practice. Despite the apparent injury, Hill was later seen in full pads, catching balls without the cast, indicating a level of readiness and resilience. However, the Dolphins chose to sideline him from team exercises, aiming to prevent what they believe is a minor issue from turning into something more serious.
A Focus on Long-Term Health
Head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized the team’s cautious approach regarding Hill’s injury. "Put him at risk for further injury," McDaniel commented. "So he's been very active but we're trying to make sure we keep him out of harm's way." The move to limit Hill's participation is reflective of the Dolphins' broader concern for preserving his health over the long season.
McDaniel highlighted that Hill had the capability to participate fully in the practice but was held back primarily to avoid any potential aggravation of his thumb injury. "We’re just trying to make sure that we’re as cautious as possible and preventing it from evolving into something that could have long-term repercussions."
A Key Player in Top Form
Coming off an extraordinary season where he led the NFL with 1,799 receiving yards, Hill has been a cornerstone for the Dolphins' offensive strategy. He also shared the accolade for most receiving touchdowns last season, finding the end zone 13 times, tying with Tampa Bay's Mike Evans. Given such stellar performance, it's no surprise the Dolphins are keen to ensure his availability for the entirety of the season.
In early August, Hill restructured his deal, making it one of the most lucrative in the league. The revamped three-year contract is worth a staggering $90 million, with $65 million guaranteed. Hill’s performance and value to the team clearly reflect in this significant financial commitment from the Dolphins.
Injury Concerns Across the Board
While Hill’s situation is closely monitored, the Dolphins are also dealing with other injury concerns among their receiving corps. Fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been absent from practice for the past two weeks due to an undisclosed injury. Additionally, River Cracraft faces an upper-body injury that is likely to keep him sidelined for an extended period.
The Dolphins' injury list doesn't end there. Even notable star Odell Beckham Jr. is on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list with an undisclosed injury, hindering his participation throughout the training camp. These injuries create a complex scenario for McDaniel and his coaching staff as they navigate the preparation phases for the upcoming season.
Building Toward the Season
As the Dolphins aim to build on last year's performances, the management of injuries, especially to key players like Hill, will be pivotal. The team’s measured approach during the joint practices with the Buccaneers underscores their intent to keep their roster healthy and maximized for performance when the regular season kicks in. Hill’s presence, even in a limited capacity, remains a critical element of their strategy moving forward.
While the minor thumb injury to Tyreek Hill has kept the team and its fans on edge, the proactive and cautiously optimistic approach from the coaching staff signals a commitment to long-term success and player well-being. As McDaniel and his team navigate these injury concerns, the focus remains steadfast on a strong, productive season ahead, aiming to leverage their star power and depth efficiently.