As the Miami Dolphins close in on their anticipated joint practice with the Bears on August 8, HC Mike McDaniel finds himself at a crossroads. For the Dolphins, this moment feels less like a turning point and more like a surgeon poised over a heart. Each move measured, stakes sky-high, knowing the wrong decision could mean months of regret. With injuries already shaking up their core, Coach McDaniel has been making cautious moves all offseason to ensure the team stays healthy for the regular season. But for a big question buzzing across the practice fields, it doesn’t seem like an answer is anywhere near. When will Miami’s newest TE Darren Waller take the field?

Coming out of retirement after a year removed from the game, a trade brought Darren Walker to Miami from the Giants. While on the PUP list, the team has been closely monitoring his condition. Waller’s return to the NFL remains one of the biggest sources of anticipation for Miami. While coach McDaniel notes that Waller is in “tremendous shape”, he also notes that Waller isn’t in “football shape” yet. And it looks like his return to the gridiron is still far away.

As David Furones reported on X, Mike McDaniel is playing a cautious long game with the return of Waller. As Coach McDaniels put it, “it’s a little tricky because you’re bringing a guy back and is his first practice a joint practice? So It’s about a week, but it’s a little tricky in terms of what practice and we’ll feel our way through that. And, you know, you’re just trying to be smart with that.” For McDaniel, the dilemma of integrating a high-profile veteran recovering from a year out of football into the cauldron of a high-intensity, mixed-squad session is real. It seems like there will be no dramatic unveiling of Waller’s skills at the joint practice in the coming days. But the coach isn’t just talking about Waller’s health. It’s also about the synergy Waller needs to get with his new team before high-stakes practice or games.

Waller’s placement on the PUP list isn’t a red flag but rather a yellow light. The lingering muscle memory, the chemistry with QB Tua Tagovailoa, the scheme mastery; it all has to gel before Waller is thrown into the fray. Waller, when healthy, is a mismatch nightmare. A 6’6” size-speed baller capable of shifting defensive schemes and opening up the seams for Miami’s already potent passing game. But after last season’s heartbreak, Miami isn’t looking for last-chance heroics. Waller isn’t just here to be a Week 1 band-aid; he’s a puzzle piece that must endure through January. Even the TE coach Jon Embree has noted the contribution Waller could make in the Miami campaign. “He has a pretty good grasp of the details initially starting out. That’s huge because that’ll allow us to do more with him and move him around in the formations and all that.”

While the coaches are in awe of his catch radius and explosiveness even after staying away from football for a year, McDaniel’s caution also reflects the scars from recent history. With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined, the offense sputtered last year which led to costly losses. This offseason, McDaniel has been making moves to ensure Tagovailoa stays healthy. For the entire roster, the approach is chess, not checkers. But even with all the caution, things aren’t looking that great as far as injuries are concerned.

Another injury blow: Andrew Meyer on the sidelines

With injuries already shaking up the depth charts in Miami, Mike McDaniel has received another blow to his schemes. Center Andrew Meyer came to Miami last season as an UDFA with a $2.8 million deal and quickly found his way onto the final roster. But just as the training camp intensified with the joint practice looming around the corner, Meyer suffered an undisclosed injury, which is going to keep him away for “weeks.”

As Coach McDaniel shared the injury update, he also spoke about Meyer’s growth over the last year and this camp. “He’s had a great camp, really stepped his game, and I’m very impressed with his play. He will be out weeks, but he’s built a strong foundation as one of the top performers if you want to talk about growth of game. One of the top guys from year one to year two that has made tremendous strides.” Meyer’s absence now compounds an already battered OL, joining Liam Eichenberg (PUP) and Austin Jackson (leg) on the sideline. This is not just a depth issue. Meyer was poised to be a primary backup, having filled in impressively at center with Aaron Brewer out earlier in camp. Now, Miami’s well-laid plans are being stress-tested with more injuries.

The Dolphins’ response to these losses have been notable. Already, Miami has moved to sign Daniel Brunskill and Germaine Ifedi to fill the cracks. The moment for fringe players to prove themselves has arrived. McDaniel is eyeing sustainability, and not quick fixes. As the Dolphins prep for an intense August, how the new names help their campaign will be under intense scrutiny.