The Miami Dolphins could be without a key contributor for their Week 16 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. NFL insider Dan Graziano thinks there’s a real possibility that star wide receiver Tyreek Hill will miss the game against Dallas as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
“And Miami’s Tyreek Hill (ankle) would like to be as close as possible to 100% before playing, and the team agrees with him,” Graziano wrote. “Keep an eye on his practice work this week to see whether he shows improvement, but I think there’s a decent possibility he misses another game.”
For what it’s worth, the Dolphins expect Hill to play in the game, according to Tracy Wolfson of CBS.
Wolfson: Dolphins expect Tyreek Hill (ankle) to play Week 16.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) December 18, 2023
Hill was sidelined for Miami’s commanding 30-0 victory over the New York Jets last weekend due to the ankle injury. It was the first game of the season that Hill missed. Clearly, the Dolphins didn’t need him in order to dispatch the Jets, but it could be a very different story against a talented team like the Cowboys.
Despite missing the game against New York, Hill is still leading the NFL in receiving yards on the season with 1,542. He’s also leading the league in receiving touchdowns (12).
Hill has been a central part of the reason that the Dolphins have the most potent offense in the NFL this season. They lead the league in yards per game, total yards, points per game and total points. Hill’s speed and athleticism stretch defenses and open things up for the rest of Miami’s offensive attack.
Heading into the game against Dallas, Miami sits atop the AFC East with a record of 10-4. It has not yet clinched a playoff berth.
Dallas has the same record and already clinched a playoff spot in the NFC. The Cowboys still have plenty to play for though, as they could potentially win their division with a strong finish to the season and some help from the Philadelphia Eagles.
After the game against Dallas, the Dolphins have two games remaining on their schedule against competitive AFC opponents. They’ll face off against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore in Week 17, and they’ll then close out the regular season at home against the Buffalo Bills.
The fact that two of their final three games are at home should work in Miami’s favor. The Dolphins are 6-1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami this season.
