The Miami Dolphins are nearly the close of training camp and preseason, but tight end Darren Waller still hasn’t joined the team on the practice field. According to his agent Drew Rosenhaus, that’s nothing to worry about.
“With all due respect to the other tight ends on the (Dolphins) roster, Darren will be ready to rock,” Rosenhaus told WSVN’s Josh Moser. “He’ll do his part. I’m sure he’ll get enough time in leading up to the season where he’ll be able to contribute in the season opener. He’s been working incredibly hard. While he hasn’t been practicing, he’s been running off to the side, he’s running routes. He’s pretty much full speed. I think he’ll be more than ready for the first game.”
Waller, who turns 33 next month, was acquired by the Dolphins in a July trade with the New York Giants. The veteran tight end is returning from retirement after sitting out the entire 2024 NFL season. Miami placed Waller on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list at the start of training camp.
Last week, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel dismissed the idea of Waller returning to the active roster with a pair of joint practices on the way against the Detroit Lions. “Joint practices out of retirement – no, it’s not the week,” McDaniel said.
On Thursday, the Dolphins will hold their final joint practice of August when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of a Saturday preseason finale.
Waller began his career with the Baltimore Ravens, but emerged as one of the NFL’s best receiving tight ends during his tenure with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020 after recording 107 receptions, 1,196 yards, and nine touchdowns. In his only season with the Giants, Waller recorded 52 receptions for 552 yards in 12 games.
