The injury wave that hit South Florida earlier this year created a celebration in the Miami Dolphins’ front office. Odell Beckham Jr. was the first victim, Jaylen Waddle was the next, and River Cracraft followed. Tyreek Hill was the last to join a well-attended courtside party.
Hill is dealing with a minor injury, according to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe. Wolfe noted that the receiver did not participate in practice on Tuesday and was wearing a splint on his right hand. Due to the injury, Hill will likely not participate in Miami’s joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday morning or in the final preseason game on Friday night.
Mike McDaniel has played it safe throughout training camp. On Monday, McDaniel noted that Waddle’s unspecified injury would be handled differently during the season. The same can be assumed for Beckham and Hill.
“There’s been a little stress about the depth in the (receiver) room,” McDaniel told reporters. “But there are other reservations as well. Do we deal with Jaylen Waddle the way we would in the season? The answer is no.”
Cracraft is the exception in this group. The receiver suffered an upper body injury during a 13-yard touchdown catch during the Dolphins’ preseason game against the Washington Commanders. Unlike his teammates, Cracraft will be out for some time.
“It was an upper body injury. It’s going to be a while for sure. It doesn’t look like it’s season-ending, but it’s going to be a while. Nobody likes to see injuries in general. I’m at the top of that list, but I think if there’s anyone who can handle adversity, it’s River Cracraft. I don’t know how many teams he’s played on, but it’s a lot. He’s worked his way up to being a very, very good player in this league and that confidence will continue,” McDaniel said.
Cracraft’s injury could open the door for a new receiver on the 53-man roster. Hill, Waddle, Beckham and Braxton Berrios are sure candidates. Rookie Malik Washington has worked his way up the rankings and Erik Ezukanma has had an impressive preseason.
