Miami Dolphins' sputtering offense adds another point of concern on Thursday
The Miami Dolphins appear in line to have the services of their star quarterback on Sunday with they face the Arizona Cardinals. The hope among Dolphins fans is that Miami's explosive offense is finally ready to look like its explosive self this 2024 season with Tua Tagovailoa back in the huddle. However, another possible impediment […]
The Miami Dolphins appear in line to have the services of their star quarterback on Sunday with they face the Arizona Cardinals. The hope among Dolphins fans is that Miami's explosive offense is finally ready to look like its explosive self this 2024 season with Tua Tagovailoa back in the huddle.
However, another possible impediment to that occurrence reared its ugly head on Thursday afternoon.
WR Tyreek Hill popped up on the injury report with a foot injury and a limited practice designation.
The timing is certainly ironic. Hill spoke with the media on Wednesday, and he raved about the prospects for the offense of Tua's return. He even talked about the explosive plays in practice they were putting together again.
“He looked great. Felt like old times, me and him connected on a few deep shots today and that kind of got me feeling good today. I missed that and I missed him. I told I’ve got to take him and his wife to dinner because I missed him so much. (Expletive) was so beautiful, that (expletive) almost made me cry today like just having him in the lineup, having him call the plays, having him direct the offense, like just hearing his voice. I know that sounds crazy, but he’s a big part of this team. You see why these quarterbacks get paid so much money, man, and just the respect I have for him, the respect this whole team has for him. We’re going to have his back no matter what, so glad to have him back.
"It makes a lot of difference. Tua (Tagovailoa) – him and Mike (McDaniel), they’ve got this real special connection. He allows Tua to be Tua. Tua has a connection with all the guys, all of us spend a lot of time with Tua so the connection is there. Then when you bring that all on the field, it magnifies everything that we do – throws are on time, play calling, the operation is faster. He just does a great job of commanding this offense.”
It goes without saying that the offense should be miles better with Tua back, but the ability to replicate Mike McDaniel's offense isn't going to be the same if Hill and/or Jaylen Waddle, the latter of whom has been limited with a quad injury this week, are unable to go, or are limited to what they can do.
If Hill is able to return to the practice field on Friday and avoids a game designation, then the limitations on Thursday were likely precautionary.
However, Hill wasn't the only starter to have his practice cut short by injury. Zach Sieler was listed as a limited participant on Thursday with what was listed as an eye injury. Jevon Holland, Liam Eichenberg, and Emmanuel Ogbah are other starters who have been limited throughout the week and whose statuses bear watching tomorrow, when game designations are given.
The Dolphins and Cardinals are set to kick off at 1:00 pm ET on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.
Dolphins finally make a logical roster move at a crucial area about four weeks too late
Miami made an overdue move on Wednesday
