Sep 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) practices before the game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill may not return to the Miami Dolphins after sustaining severe injuries, including a dislocated left knee and torn ligaments, during a game against the New York Jets on September 29, 2025. As Hill remains sidelined, criticisms have intensified towards quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel, particularly as the team struggles with a dismal record of 1-6 this season.
In a recent appearance on “The Set,” a YouTube show hosted by former offensive tackle Terron Armstead, Hill came to the defense of Tagovailoa, emphasizing his leadership qualities. “Tua is a great leader,” Hill stated, according to C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald. He highlighted Tagovailoa’s passion for Miami and his commitment to winning, asserting that the quarterback genuinely cares about the community.
The dynamics between Hill and Tagovailoa have drawn attention over the past year. In February, Hill publicly apologized to his quarterback and teammates after he controversially exited the Dolphins’ 2024 regular-season finale, later stating he was “out.” Although Tagovailoa remarked in July that Hill needed to “build everything up again,” their relationship appeared to improve before the start of the current season.
Criticism has also come from McDaniel, who recently addressed Tagovailoa’s comments about teammates missing or arriving late to players-only meetings. Hill expressed his unwavering support for Tagovailoa, saying, “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.” He noted that Tagovailoa’s desire to win should resonate positively with fans, despite the criticism he faces.
The Dolphins’ performance has raised concerns about the future of the coaching staff and players. After securing only one victory against the winless Jets, speculation suggests that McDaniel could be dismissed if the Dolphins fail to perform against the Atlanta Falcons (3-3) on Sunday and the Baltimore Ravens on October 30. Notably, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio indicated that the Dolphins might release Hill at the end of the season unless they renegotiate his substantial contract, which is worth $36 million for 2026.
Despite the ongoing turmoil, analysts like CBS Sports’ salary cap expert Joel Corry predict that Tagovailoa is likely to stay with the Dolphins through the offseason due to salary cap implications. Hill described the current situation as “tough,” acknowledging that the atmosphere has shifted dramatically since the team’s early successes. “Everybody’s apparently on the hot seat,” he added, as reported by Alanis Thames of the Associated Press.
As of Friday morning, oddsmakers at ESPN BET listed the Dolphins as 7.5-point underdogs against the Falcons, underscoring the growing challenges facing the team.
