Dolphins TE 'in play' to make Week 13 return vs. Saints

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller returned to practice just a couple days ago, but he may already be ready to come off injured reserve and play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

"We'll see today, but he's in play," Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said of Waller on Friday. "I'm an optimistic guy. We'll how he feels today, but if there's not a setback, I'm feeling optimistic."

The Dolphins have a 21-day window, which opened Wednesday, to move Waller to the active roster. Typically, Miami has been careful not bring players back too soon. McDaniel said Waller's proven history as an NFL veteran gives him confidence that a quick return wouldn't be too much for the tight end.

Waller, who was acquired by the Dolphins in a July trade, spent the 2024 season in retirement after one season with the New York Giants in 2023. After missing the first few weeks of the year, Waller caught four touchdown passes in his first three games with the Dolphins. A pectoral injury suffered early in Miami's Week 7 matchup with the Cleveland Browns sent the tight end to injured reserve.

McDaniel also told reporters Friday that the Dolphins could activate right tackle Austin Jackson from the injured reserve this weekend, barring a setback in practice. To make room for Jackson and/or Waller, the Dolphins would need to waive a player or two from the 53-man roster.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins TE Darren Waller 'in play' to make Week 13 return vs. Saints