Wide receiver Tyreek Hill may not return to the Miami Dolphins following a severe knee injury that occurred during a game against the New York Jets on September 29, 2025. Hill dislocated his left knee and tore multiple ligaments, including his ACL, leaving a significant gap in the Dolphins’ roster. With Hill sidelined, the Dolphins have struggled, currently holding a record of 1-6 for the season. This turmoil has led to scrutiny of both quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel.
In a recent episode of “The Set,” a YouTube show hosted by former Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead, Hill passionately defended Tagovailoa against the growing criticism. Hill described Tagovailoa as a “great leader” who is deeply committed to the Miami community and dedicated to securing victories for the team.
“Tua is a great leader,” Hill stated, as reported by C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald. “He’s passionate about Miami. He loves the community. And he wants to win games in Miami.” The relationship between Hill and Tagovailoa has been under the spotlight, especially after Hill publicly apologized in February for leaving the field early during the Dolphins’ regular-season finale in 2024.
Despite recent tensions, including Tagovailoa’s comments in July about the need to “build everything up again,” the two players appear to have reconciled. Hill expressed unwavering support for Tagovailoa, stating, “I’m going to support Tua, you know what I’m saying? Regardless of what he’s got going on, because he’s my brother.”
The Dolphins’ situation remains precarious. After winning only one game against the winless Jets, speculation is mounting about the futures of both McDaniel and Hill. NFL analyst Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk suggested that Miami might release Hill after the season unless his $36 million contract for 2026 is significantly renegotiated.
Meanwhile, salary cap expert Joel Corry and analysts from The Athletic have indicated that Tagovailoa is likely to remain with the Dolphins through the next offseason due to financial constraints. Hill acknowledged the pressure on the team, stating, “Everybody’s apparently on the hot seat. It’s a tough situation. When we were winning, things were good.”
As the Dolphins prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons, who hold a record of 3-3, the stakes are high. The Dolphins enter as 7.5-point underdogs, according to ESPN BET. A loss could further complicate the team’s trajectory and lead to significant changes within the organization.