Dolphins TE Darren Waller Expecting to Play More Snaps After Making Two-TD Season Debut

Darren Waller is back, baby! And not just back, but back with a bang. The Miami Dolphins tight end, fresh off a year of retirement, made his 2025 debut in Week 4 against the New York Jets, and let’s just say he didn’t disappoint. In a game that saw the Dolphins claw their way to a 27-21 victory, Waller snagged two touchdowns, immediately reminding everyone why he was such a highly touted player before his brief hiatus.

Now, if you’re a Dolphins fan, you’re probably thinking, "Two touchdowns? Sign me up for more!" And the good news is, it sounds like that’s exactly what’s in the cards. Waller himself has indicated that he’s expecting to see an increase in his playing time as the season progresses.

Easing Back Into the Game

The story behind Waller’s return is an interesting one. After stepping away from the game in 2024, many wondered if we’d ever see him on the field again. At 33 years old, with a history of injuries, a comeback was far from a sure thing. The Dolphins, wisely, have taken a cautious approach with Waller. They didn’t overload him during training camp, and they carefully managed his playing time in the early weeks of the season.

In the Week 4 game against the Jets, Waller was only on the field for 14 snaps, which equates to about 25% of the team’s offensive plays. That might not sound like much, but considering he hadn’t played in a regular-season game since 2023, it was a sensible way to ease him back into the rigors of NFL competition. And, as we know, he made those snaps count, hauling in three of his four targets for 27 yards and, of course, those two crucial touchdowns.

"That goes back to the plan that they have for me, and they’ve done a great job of communicating how they want to build it up and ramp it up more," Waller said in a recent interview. "I’m grateful that I’ll get to throw a few more pitches this week and have it only increase. I’m excited about being out there a little bit more."

A Deliberate Approach

Waller’s comments suggest a collaborative effort between him and the Dolphins coaching staff, particularly head coach Mike McDaniel, to ensure a smooth and sustainable return. It’s clear that the team is prioritizing his long-term health and availability over immediate gratification.

This is a smart move, given Waller’s injury history. He’s dealt with various setbacks throughout his career, including a recent hip strain that he was managing earlier this season. The Dolphins understand that pushing him too hard, too soon, could backfire and potentially derail his comeback altogether. No one wants to see a promising start fizzle out due to an unnecessary injury.

The team’s deliberate approach makes sense on multiple levels. First, it allows Waller to gradually build up his conditioning and stamina. Football is a physically demanding sport, and it takes time for the body to adjust to the constant pounding and collisions. By increasing his workload incrementally, the Dolphins are giving Waller’s body the opportunity to adapt and recover properly.

Second, a cautious approach minimizes the risk of re-injury. As mentioned earlier, Waller has a history of injuries, and the Dolphins are undoubtedly aware of the potential risks. By carefully monitoring his playing time and workload, they can identify any potential problems early on and take steps to prevent them from escalating.

Filling a Void

While the Dolphins’ initial plan was to gradually increase Waller’s role, recent developments may accelerate that timeline. The unfortunate season-ending knee injury to star wide receiver Tyreek Hill has created a significant void in the team’s passing attack. Hill was arguably the Dolphins’ most explosive offensive weapon, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt.

With Hill sidelined, the Dolphins need other players to step up and fill the void. Waller, with his size, athleticism, and proven ability to make plays in the passing game, is a natural candidate to absorb some of those targets.

This is particularly true in the red zone. Waller’s size and strength make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders in tight spaces. In Week 4, he played just four snaps in the red zone, but two of those snaps resulted in touchdowns. That’s a pretty impressive conversion rate, and it suggests that Waller could be a valuable asset for the Dolphins in the scoring area.

The increased need for Waller’s contributions, coupled with his own eagerness to play more, could lead to a significant increase in his playing time in the coming weeks. However, it’s important to remember that the Dolphins will still need to be mindful of his health and injury history. They can’t afford to throw caution to the wind and risk losing him for an extended period.

Historical Significance

Waller’s two-touchdown performance in his Dolphins debut was not just a good game; it was also a historic one. According to NFL Research, he became the first 30-plus-year-old tight end since at least 1970 to score two or more receiving touchdowns in his debut with a new team. That’s a pretty remarkable achievement, and it underscores the impact that Waller can have on the Dolphins offense.

What to Expect Moving Forward

So, what can we expect from Darren Waller and the Dolphins moving forward? Here’s a few thoughts:

• Increased Playing Time: Expect to see Waller’s snap count gradually increase in the coming weeks, particularly with Tyreek Hill out of the lineup.
• Red Zone Target: Waller should become a primary target in the red zone, where his size and strength will make him a valuable asset.
• Strategic Usage: The Dolphins will likely continue to be strategic in how they use Waller, monitoring his workload and managing his injury risk.
• Impactful Performance: Waller has the potential to be a major contributor to the Dolphins offense, providing a reliable target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and helping to open up opportunities for other players.

Ultimately, Darren Waller’s comeback story is one of resilience, determination, and the enduring power of the human spirit. He’s overcome numerous challenges in his life, and his return to the NFL is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game. Dolphins fans have every reason to be excited about what he can bring to the team. With a smart and deliberate approach, Waller can be a key component to the team’s success.