Dolphins expect TE Darren Waller to return in Week 4

Field Level Media|published: Fri 19th September, 12:57 2025

NFL: New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) during warm-ups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Dolphins expect unretired tight end Darren Waller to make his Miami debut in Week 4 against the visiting New York Jets.

Waller was "super close" to playing in Thursday night's 31-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Friday.

Waller, 33, missed the first three games for the Dolphins (0-3) with a hip strain.

Waller retired in June 2024 after one season with the New York Giants, citing health concerns and a loss of passion for football. However, he returned this summer, coming out of retirement on July 1 with a trade to the Dolphins.

A former sixth-round pick, Waller had a pair of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders in 2019-20. He made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 2020 after amassing a career-high 1,196 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

Waller has 4,124 career receiving yards over eight NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens (2015-16), Raiders (2018-22) and Giants (2023).

Dolphins tight ends Julian Hill and Tanner Conner have combined for four receptions for 37 yards and no touchdowns so far this season.

--Field Level Media