The Miami Dolphins face a significant challenge following the season-ending injury to star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Hill suffered a dislocated knee during Miami’s 27-21 victory over the New York Jets, removing one of the NFL’s most productive and dynamic offensive threats from the roster.Hill entered the 2025 season with 265 receiving yards and one touchdown on 21 receptions.
Since 2022, only Justin Jefferson has managed to reel in more receiving yards, and only Malik Nabers, A.J. Brown, and Davante Adams have had a higher percentage of their team’s targets. With Hill sidelined, the Dolphins’ passing attack will require other receivers to step up to fill the void.
Jaylen Waddle, already a proven performer, is expected to assume the primary offensive role. Waddle has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL seasons, benefiting from defenses often focusing on Hill.
With Hill’s absence, opposing teams will likely key on Waddle, increasing the challenge of maintaining production while creating opportunities for other receivers. Waddle has demonstrated he can handle additional responsibility, evidenced by a game without Hill in which he recorded eight receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown despite a limited supporting cast.
Opportunities for supporting receivers
Second-year wide receiver Malik Washington is poised to become a key contributor. The Virginia product has eight receptions for 47 yards through the first four games of the season and has demonstrated the speed and versatility to challenge defenses.
Against the Jets, Washington recorded two catches and two rushing attempts for 21 total yards, showing his ability to contribute in multiple ways.
Washington excelled at Virginia, leading the ACC in 2023 with 110 receptions, 1,426 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he totaled 223 receiving yards on 26 receptions in his rookie season.
In 2025, Washington has also contributed as a rushing threat, accumulating 60 yards on eight carries through jet sweep plays. His speed and versatility make him a valuable secondary option for Miami.
In addition to Waddle and Washington, tight end Darren Waller and veteran wideout Nick Westbrook-Ikhine provide reliable alternatives.
Waller recorded two touchdowns in Monday’s victory over the Jets, while Westbrook-Ikhine brings experience from a 2024 season in which he totaled 497 receiving yards and nine touchdowns with the Tennessee Titans. Both players will be critical in maintaining offensive balance in the absence of Hill.
Miami’s win over the Jets followed a 0-3 start to the season and provided a necessary boost for the team’s playoff prospects. The Dolphins face a challenging schedule moving forward, including a road game against the Carolina Panthers on October 5, followed by matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills.
Sustaining offensive production without Hill will require Waddle to assume a greater leadership role, Washington to capitalize on expanded opportunities, and Waller and Westbrook-Ikhine to maintain consistency in the passing game.
How effectively the Dolphins adapt to the loss of one of the league’s elite receivers will be pivotal in determining their competitiveness for the remainder of the 2025 season.
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