Riley Patterson steps in as Miami’s kicker after Jason Sanders hits IR, the first of up to three practice-squad elevations to fill the Week 1 gap at Indianapolis. Jeff Wilson Jr. slides into a bigger backfield role with Jaylen Wright sidelined, giving the Dolphins a steadier option behind Mostert. With Darren Waller out, Julian Hill and Tanner Conner are the two on the active TE depth chart, while Hayden Rucci and Greg Dulcich loom as potential roster moves to keep the offense versatile.

If Miami adds another tight end, Alec Ingold’s workload could shift and two-TE packages might dip, reshaping Week 1 attack plans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The key for fantasy managers is monitoring how the kicking, backfield, and TE usage evolve as final roster decisions loom before kickoff.

Darren Waller’s comeback story with the Dolphins is compelling but fraught with risk. He hasn’t practiced or put on pads in over a year, yet he’s been lined up as the No. 1 tight end and secured a 53-man roster spot. Miami insists the plan is to manage him for 17 games, not to prove a point in preseason. Week 1 hip issues add doubt about his availability and role, while the offense continues to underuse tight ends. Fantasy players must weigh mega upside against the real-world throttling of his floor and durability.

Tyreek Hill’s elite production looms as the anchor, while the TE group around Waller is unsettled. Jonnu Smith’s trade to Pittsburgh and the emergence of Julian Hill and Tanner Conner suggest Miami isn’t banking on one veteran to carry the position. The coaching staff’s emphasis on growth beyond Darren mirrors a culture shift, raising questions about how quickly Waller can translate storybook recovery into steady fantasy production.

From a fantasy lens, Waller’s upside remains tantalizing if health returns and usage follows his peak years. But the risk is real: no practices, slow pads, and a system that hasn’t historically leaned on the tight end. In the near term, Hill and Conner could soak up targets, while Waller’s status dictates roster and bid decisions on waiver wires and early-season trades.

Julian Hill faced considerable criticism from Miami Dolphins fans during the early part of the 2024 season due to repeated penalties, including four penalties in a single game against the Seattle Seahawks. These consistent infractions placed him at the top of the NFL penalty leaderboard among non-linemen, leading to frustration among the team's passionate fanbase.

However, Hill managed to significantly improve his performance in the latter half of the season, committing only one penalty over the final 11 games. This turnaround was facilitated by support from teammates like Jonnu Smith, who offered guidance and reassurance amidst the mounting pressure.

As a second-year player, Hill's role expanded, with his offensive snaps increasing substantially compared to his rookie year. He acknowledges the learning curve he experienced and is now focused on enhancing his skills, particularly in pass-catching, for the upcoming season.

Terron Armstead, left tackle for the Miami Dolphins, suffered a knee injury but still hosted his annual 'Team Armstead Holiday Blessing' shopping spree for kids. This event is part of the Dolphins' broader community outreach, which included helping over 1,200 residents this holiday season.

Armstead emphasized the importance of giving back, highlighting the duty of athletes to support their fans. Players participated in various charitable events, showcasing their commitment to the community despite the team's struggles this season.