MIAMI GARDENS — One of the most efficient members of the Miami Dolphins is back on the practice field for the first time in more than a month.
The Dolphins opened the 21-day window for tight end Darren Waller to be activated off injured reserve with a pectoral injury. Coupled with the impending return of right tackle Austin Jackson, there is a sense among the Dolphins that their offense soon will be as intact as possible for the stretch run (outside of receiver Tyreek Hill, who remains out).
“It’s cool seeing him out there,” quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said of Waller. “You know, he’s just working through some things. When we get him back, when we get Austin Jackson back, I think that’ll be great additions for us.”
Watch Dolphins-Saints on Fubo
Despite missing four games while on IR, Waller remains tied for second on the team with four touchdown receptions. That’s despite also missing the opening three games of the season while the team gave Waller time to work off rust after taking last season off.
That leaves four games in-between in which Waller has been available. He has responded with 10 catches for 117 yards and the four scores.
Waller can take pressure off receiver Jaylen Waddle and, at 6-feet-6, be a valuable target in the red zone for Tagovailoa.
“I think it’s going to be fun, man,” fullback Alec Ingold said. “It’s a big, old smile today on the practice field. Love that guy. The things that he’s had to go through the past year, two years, just absolutely rooting for him to be able to end the season on his terms and do great while we’re able to do that together. So really excited for him.”
Waller is 33 years old. Given that the Dolphins eased him into the rotation earlier this season, it’s possible they could take the same approach with incorporating him now. But if Waller feels healed and the trainers agree, he could be activated as soon as this weekend when the Dolphins play the visiting New Orleans Saints.
Waller was listed as limited in his first practice on the official injury report. Also limited were center Aaron Brewer (foot, ankle), linebacker Bradley Chubb (foot), cornerback Rasul Douglas (foot, ankle), Jackson (toe), defensive tackle Benito Jones (ankle) and Waddle (foot).
For the Saints, running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) did not practice. Limited were tackle Taliese Fuaga (ankle), running back Devin Neal (ankle) and receiver Chris Olave (back).
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller begins comeback at practice
Reporting by Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
