After dealing with a hip injury, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel announced on Saturday that veteran tight end Darren Waller will make his season debut against the New York Jets on Monday night.
“He [Waller] looks firmly ready to contribute,” said McDaniel. “He looks ready; he feels ready.” Excited to have him up.”
Waller, 33, is set to play his first NFL game since 2023 on Monday night.
Waller spent the 2023 season with the Jets’ crosstown rival Giants before announcing his retirement in June 2024. He did not appear in a game last season. In July, the Giants traded Waller and a 2027 seventh-round pick, since they still held his rights, to the Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick after he opted to return.
The Jets have not been dominant against opposing tight ends this year, but the defense has shown improvement compared to recent years. Despite facing accomplished players such as Pro Bowler Jonnu Smith, former first-round pick Dalton Kincaid, and Cade Otton, they have limited the damage.
Through three games, New York has allowed 15 catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns to the position, while managing to prevent Otton from reeling in a pass during last week’s loss to Tampa Bay.
For the Jets defense, slowing down Miami’s offense already looked daunting with Tyreek Hill, De’Von Achane, and Jaylen Waddle in the mix. Now, with Waller back in action, Gang Green is staring at yet another playmaker they will have to contain as the team searches for their first win under head coach Aaron Glenn.
