Waller Returns as Dolphins Seek Momentum vs. Saints

The Miami Dolphins enter Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints with a chance to push their record to 5–7 and keep faint postseason hopes alive. They do so with renewed optimism on offense, as veteran tight end Darren Waller is poised to make his long-awaited return. After weeks on injured reserve, the three-time Pro Bowler is set to rejoin the lineup amid a critical stretch for Miami.

Waller has been sidelined for the last four games after suffering a pectoral injury in October. His absence has been felt most acutely in the red zone, where Miami has lacked the matchup advantage he provides. Reports indicate that the Dolphins will activate him ahead of Sunday’s contest, giving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa another trusted option.

The Dolphins have recently found momentum, shaking off an uneven start with back-to-back victories. Their resurgence began with a convincing upset of the Buffalo Bills, and the team is aiming to build on that confidence as they prepare for New Orleans. Adding Waller back into the fold deepens their offensive versatility at a time when every possession carries increased stakes.

Miami remains a long shot in the AFC playoff picture, but the organization has framed the final stretch as an opportunity to show progress under head coach Mike McDaniel. With Waller returning to action, the Dolphins believe they have a chance to keep climbing.

1. Early Season Impact and Injury Setback

Waller’s arrival in Miami came with intrigue, as the 33-year-old initially retired after the 2023–24 season before deciding to return. The Dolphins signed him with the expectation that his experience and red-zone production would add a valuable dimension to the offense. Early on, he delivered precisely that. In the four games he played before his injury, Waller recorded 117 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Though the yardage totals were modest, his impact near the goal line was unmistakable. Miami frequently leaned on him in tight spaces, and his ability to win one-on-one matchups helped the offense finish drives. The injury on Oct. 19 interrupted that progress, forcing the Dolphins to adjust their personnel groupings and red-zone approach. Without Waller, Miami struggled at times to create consistent mismatches, relying more heavily on wide receivers and running backs in scoring situations. The coaching staff emphasized versatility but acknowledged the absence of a true tight-end scoring threat. Now healthy again, Waller returns at a moment when the Dolphins’ offensive identity is solidifying. His reintroduction could help restore balance and keep defenses from overloading the perimeter.

2. Dolphins’ Late-Season Push

Miami’s midseason turnaround began with a surprisingly dominant win over the Bills in Week 10, a performance that reignited confidence inside the locker room. That victory was followed by another strong showing the next week, lifting the Dolphins back into the conversation—if only faintly—for postseason contention. The team’s improvements have been driven largely by defensive steadiness and better execution in key offensive moments. Yet even with the recent wins, Miami faces a steep climb in a crowded AFC landscape. Each remaining game carries heightened importance, and the margin for error is thin. This is where Waller’s presence becomes particularly valuable. His track record as a reliable chain mover and red-zone finisher adds a dimension the Dolphins have lacked during key stretches. The coaching staff believes his return will help diversify play-calling and create more advantageous alignments for other skill players. If the Dolphins can continue their current momentum, the final weeks of the season could provide meaningful opportunities for growth—even if the postseason remains unlikely. Waller’s return strengthens their chances of keeping the pressure on rival teams.

3. Matchup Stakes Against the Saints

Sunday’s game presents a favorable matchup for Miami, especially with Waller back in uniform. The Saints’ defense has struggled for consistency this season, particularly in covering tight ends and preventing scores inside the 20-yard line. Miami hopes to exploit those vulnerabilities with a renewed focus on physical mismatches. Tagovailoa’s connection with Waller early in the season was quick to develop, and the team is optimistic that timing will return with minimal adjustment. The Dolphins are expected to integrate Waller in a measured fashion, but his familiarity with the scheme makes him a candidate for immediate red-zone involvement. New Orleans, meanwhile, enters the game trying to stabilize its own season. The Saints have shown flashes of competitiveness but have also dealt with injuries and inconsistency on both sides of the ball. Limiting Miami’s tight-end usage will be a key priority for a defense looking to regain traction. A win for Miami would mark its third straight and reinforce the team’s growth during the second half of the season. With Waller’s return, the Dolphins believe they have a better chance of sustaining drives and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.