Coming off the first victory of the season, the Miami Dolphins have a new announcement. David Furones reported that Mike McDaniel has found a new wide receiver to fill in as Tyreek Hill went down with a season-ending knee injury. The team has just built a rhythm, and the addition of wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. feels like the right way forward. 

“Dolphins officially signed WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. off New Orleans’ practice squad and placed WR Tyreek Hill on the injured reserve list,” reported Dolphins beat reporter Furones. 

Hill’s Week 4 took a brutal turn in the third quarter when a nasty sideline tackle sent him crashing down and severely injured his knee. Later on, it was revealed that he had dislocated his left knee and torn multiple ligaments, including the ACL. He had to undergo emergency surgery on Tuesday to repair his knee. This might be the injury that changes the Cheetah’s entire NFL career. 

While the Dolphins were praying for him, the front office was out seeking a replacement. They found him in the New Orleans practice squad and didn’t waste time signing him. This is Wilson’s homecoming as he previously signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Dolphins in 2022. He was acquired by the Saints in 2024, where he recorded 22 catches for 211 yards and a touchdown while appearing in 15 games. 

As the move has become official, the Dolphins have placed the All-Pro receiver on Injured Reserve. However, head coach McDaniel has confirmed that Wilson Jr. will not take the field this week, not even to practice. Apparently, Wilson underwent a “minor” procedure a few weeks ago, and he’s still recovering. He clarified that it’s not a surprise to Miami, as the front office already knew about it when they brought him on board.

In addition to Wilson Jr., the Dolphins have also signed linebacker Caleb Johnson to the practice squad. He spent last season with the Jaguars, recording one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, one tackle, along with 37 special teams tackles, including 24 solo. Though Wilson Jr. fills the missing space left by Hill, filling in his shoes is not a cakewalk. 

Dolphins face life without Tyreek Hill following his injury setback

The Dolphins’ 2025 season started with a three-game losing streak that got broken against the New York Jets. Even star WR Hill has been struggling, yet he is leading the team in receptions with 21 catches and receiving yards with 265. Replacing an explosive weapon like Hill won’t be easy, but head coach McDaniel admitted the team can’t use it as an excuse to underperform. 

“It’s a challenge that it doesn’t matter how difficult it is; no one [outside the building] really cares,” he told the reporters ahead of Week 5. “You have to find a way to get yourself to continue to get better, like all teams, for you to stay in the win column.” Last year, the Dolphins lost Tua Tagovailoa mid-season to a concussion. In 2023, they lost Bradley Chubb to an ACL injury before Jaelan Phillips sustained a torn Achilles tendon. 

As heartbreaking as these injuries have been on the team, it has taught them to survive (if not thrive) without star players. Hill’s absence might do the same. The Dolphins still have WR Jaylen Waddle, TE Darren Waller, and WR De’Von Achane to handle things on the field for quarterback Tagovailoa. And if Wilson Jr. is able to bring his production up to the mark, things might turn out well for the Dolphins.