Dolphins HC Expects Darren Waller 'Sooner Than Later' amid TE's Return from Retirement

Darren Waller came out of retirement this offseason and joined the Miami Dolphins, and now head coach Mike McDaniel is gearing up for the tight end to be on the field.

McDaniel told reporters Monday that he expects to see Waller "sooner than later."

“This is where we thought a realistic assessment would be made, we’re kind of making that daily,” McDaniel said. “I’m expecting to see him sooner than later. In the back of my mind, it would be this week, but I’m not going to just put him out there this week just because I said it before.

“I’m hopeful, but it’s very soon so we’re just making sure all our ducks are in a row before we take that listing off of him.”

Waller last played for the New York Giants in 2023, recording 552 receiving yards and a touchdown in 12 games. He notched back-to-back 1,000-plus yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2020.

Whether Waller can return to his former self after a few years away from the game remains to be seen.

In Miami, he'll look to fit into a tight end room featuring Pharaoh Brown, Tanner Conner, Julian Hill, Chris Myrick, and Hayden Rucci.