Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller is expected to make his NFL return on Sept. 29 against the New York Jets, coach Mike McDaniel indicated on Friday. "He's going to play against the Jets and his body has to follow through," McDaniel said, according to Miami Herald's Omar Kelly.
Waller had been "super close" to making his debut for Miami in the Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. McDaniel noted that Waller might have been available if that game had fallen on a Sunday, as reported by the Sun Sentinel's David Furones.
Waller has been sidelined since the start of the season with a hip injury, which has delayed his Miami debut after the trade from the New York Giants.
Last week, McDaniel cautioned there might come a point where the risk is too great to play Waller this season and the team would have to prioritize his long-term health.