NFL News: After returning from long absence, Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins’ new weapon gets off to wrong start in Miami

The pressure is on Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins to finally snap their postseason winless drought. Of course, they’ll need to clinch a spot in the NFL Playoffs first — and even that is looking grim. After trading away All-Star Jonnu Smith, the Dolphins took a big gamble by signing a retired tight end in hopes he could blossom into a starter. Safe to say, things haven’t gotten off to the best start in Miami Gardens.

Darren Waller didn’t get much time to enjoy retirement before deciding to return to the NFL. Hoping for a fresh start, the 32-year-old tight end signed with the Dolphins. The chance to join an offense featuring Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, and Tagovailoa was enough to convince Waller to pull his cleats out of the attic.

Waller retired in June 2024 due to medical reasons, yet he is now back in the league, looking to turn the tide in his and Miami’s favor. However, that is much easier said than done. Training camp is underway down in South Florida, yet Waller’s stay with the Dolphins got off to a rough start, as he was unable to practice alongside Tagovailoa and company.

As the Dolphins announced on their social media, Waller has been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. As it seems, the bet on the talented, yet injury-riddled tight end, has struggled out of the gate.

Darren Waller #83 of the Miami Dolphins speaks to the media during Miami Dolphins Training Camp at Baptist Health Training Complex on July 22, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Work in progress

While the news regarding Waller’s status is deflating, it’s still too early to judge Miami’s signing of the veteran. There is still time before the NFL season arrives, and Waller can find his confidence and game back, while adapting to Mike McDaniel’s system. Moreover, the Dolphins currently don’t have the luxury of a clear-cut TE1, so having Waller on the team could pan out to be a low-risk, high-reward addition.

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Tight end room

As it stands, following Smith’s departure, the Dolphins will split the tight end workload primarily between Julian Hill and Tanner Conner, who both saw action last season. Hill is expected to start, though McDaniel often favors a game plan heavy on 12 personnel.

Recurring issue

Along with Waller — and perhaps more concerning for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ offense — Miami has placed offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg on the PUP list. Eichenberg’s absence isn’t a major issue, provided it doesn’t turn into a long-term injury. The Dolphins saw enough of their offensive linemen go down last season, and more bad news up front would only spell trouble for McDaniel’s scheme.

Keeping Tua out of danger will be crucial for the Dolphins in 2025. While Tagovailoa thrives on quick-pass plays—posting one of the shortest average pocket times in the league—the offensive line still needs to buy him those valuable extra seconds. When pass rushers break through, it’s been a recipe for disaster—not just for Miami’s game plan, but more importantly, for the health of their franchise quarterback.