MIAMI, FL – The Miami Dolphins’ high-octane offense, famously powered by the explosive playmaking of Tyreek Hill, has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for resilience and adaptation when its star receiver is sidelined. While Hill’s presence undoubtedly elevates the unit, recent history, particularly the 2023 season, showcased how other receivers stepped up, fostering a deeper chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and proving the Miami offense’s versatility.
Navigating the Absence of a Superstar
The most notable instance of the Dolphins’ offense functioning without its top threat occurred in Week 15 of the 2023 NFL season. Tyreek Hill was sidelined for the crucial matchup against the New York Jets due to an ankle injury, an ailment that had also limited his snaps in the preceding game against the Tennessee Titans. This marked Hill’s first regular-season game missed since his trade to Miami, presenting a significant test for the team’s offensive structure and Tagovailoa’s ability to distribute the ball effectively to other targets.
Leading up to this pivotal game, concerns might have mounted, given Hill’s league-leading receiving yards and touchdowns at the time. Yet, the Dolphins’ collective approach, bolstered by reps without Hill during the week, allowed them to deliver a dominant 30-0 shutout victory over the Jets.
Jaylen Waddle’s Emergence and Tua’s Distribution
In Hill’s absence, fellow Pro Bowl receiver Jaylen Waddle stepped into the primary role with a performance that underscored his own elite capabilities. Waddle erupted for eight receptions, accumulating a season-high 142 yards and scoring a 60-yard touchdown against the Jets.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s performance in this game was equally telling. He completed an impressive 21 of 24 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown, achieving his lowest average time to throw in his career at just 2.08 seconds, according to Next Gen stats. This demonstrated Tagovailoa’s improved ability to quickly process reads and distribute the ball, not solely relying on Hill’s deep threat to open up the offense. His comfort with multiple receivers became evident, showcasing a maturation in his game and a deeper chemistry forged through necessity.
The Crucial Contributions of Depth Receivers
Beyond Waddle, the Dolphins’ receiving corps features several players who have consistently contributed and shown the ability to expand their roles when opportunities arise. Wide receivers like Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. have provided valuable depth and dependable hands.
Braxton Berrios, re-signed by the Dolphins in March 2024, played in 16 games with one start in 2023, tallying 27 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown. Known for his versatility and return specialist skills, Berrios can be an effective short-to-midrange pass-catcher who can exploit defenses focused on Miami’s top threats.
River Cracraft, another receiver with familiarity in Coach Mike McDaniel’s system from their time in San Francisco, also contributed in 2023, catching nine passes for 121 yards and a touchdown in 10 games. His understanding of the playbook and reliability have been consistent assets for the team.
Cedrick Wilson Jr., who recently signed with the New Orleans Saints after the 2023 season, also played a role for Miami. In 2023, he ranked fourth on the team in receiving yards with 296 and tied for third with three touchdown catches, providing key plays throughout the season, including a 24-yard catch in a Week 18 game.
Beyond Game Day: Training Camp and Future Implications
The ongoing development of receiver depth continues to be a focal point for the Dolphins. As of August 2025, even with Hill back from wrist surgery and recovering from an oblique injury, and Jaylen Waddle dealing with a minor injury, other receivers are gaining crucial repetitions with the first-team offense during preseason. Players like Tahj Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Erik Ezukanma, and Malik Washington are seizing these opportunities, further building out the team’s receiving options.
Coach Mike McDaniel has frequently expressed confidence in the team’s overall depth, a sentiment that extends to the wide receiver room. The ability of multiple players to step into significant roles, whether due to injury or strategic game planning, offers Tagovailoa a more diversified offensive attack and makes the Dolphins less reliant on any single player. This strategic depth ensures that the Sports News coming out of Miami highlights a resilient offense capable of adapting to challenges and maintaining its high-flying output, irrespective of who is on the field. The collective growth of Tagovailoa and his diverse receiving options signals a promising future for the Dolphins’ passing game, demonstrating that a true team effort can indeed overcome the absence of a superstar.
