MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday tight end Darren Waller’s absence of practice was because he hadn’t been put through three consecutive days of practice yet since his return from retirement.
It appears he’s not yet even getting one of the first two in the buildup to Sunday’s opener at the Indianapolis Colts.
Waller was not seen during a brief media viewing portion of Thursday’s practice. The injury report, to be released later Thursday, will reveal whether he participates later in drills, as it’s possible he does join his teammates for later portions of practice closed to the media.
Waller didn’t practice on Wednesday either.
“We’re being very intentional with how we practice with Darren to do right by the Dolphins and do right by him,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “We have not pressed the threshold of three days consecutive intentionally.”
McDaniel highlighted that there Thursday and Friday practices had specific drills the coach wanted his 6-foot-6 tight end on the field for, like third-down and red-zone emphasis.
After Wednesday’s practice, Miami’s first injury report of the new season unveiled Waller has been receiving treatment for a hip ailment.
The Dolphins coach mentioned before Wednesday’s practice that Waller missing the day’s work was not due to any setback.
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Others not seen practicing Thursday were running back Jaylen Wright (knee) and cornerback Ethan Bonner (hamstring). Wright was seen working out on the side Thursday, as Bonner has several times.
Safety Ashtyn Davis (calf) also participated in some side work Thursday. Wide receiver Dee Eskridge (concussion) was still wearing a red, non-contact jersey at Thursday’s practice.
