Tyreek Hill skips practice but is set for Monday Night clash vs Jets
When Tyreek Hill, the lightning‑fast wide receiver of the Miami Dolphins, missed Saturday’s practice for personal reasons, fans wondered if the 31‑year‑old eight‑time Pro Bowler would suit up for Monday Night Football against the New York Jets. The surprise absence‑from‑practice came just two days before the AFC East showdown at MetLife Stadium, a game that could keep the Dolphins from slipping to an 0‑4 start. Sources close to the locker room say Hill is expected to play, but the episode adds another twist to swirling trade chatter linking him to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The matchup, part of the Monday Night FootballMetLife Stadium, will be the first test of whether Miami’s offense can click before the trade deadline.
Early‑season backdrop for Hill
Hill’s numbers this year have been modest by his own lofty standards. Through three games he’s recorded 15 receptions on 23 targets for 198 yards and a solitary touchdown – good enough to sit 21st in the league for receiving yards, but a far cry from the 1,300‑plus yards he posted in 2022. The drop follows a 2024 campaign where a lingering wrist injury limited him to 81 catches for 959 yards and six scores. His agent disclosed the injury in the offseason, explaining why Hill entered the 2025 season a touch slower than usual.
Even with the dip, Hill remains a game‑changing weapon. He’s logged a 19‑yard punt return this season, reminding coaches that his speed isn’t confined to the receiving corps. Defensive coordinators continue to hang on his every move, which is why his health and availability are such a hot topic.
Why missing a practice matters
Here’s the thing: the Dolphins were slated to run a full‑speed offensive walkthrough on Saturday, fine‑tuning timing routes for the 0‑3 encounter with the Jets. Missing that session means Hill missed the latest adjustments to the route tree, especially a new slant‑and‑go concept the coaching staff hoped would free up quarterback Tua Tagovailoa against New York’s blitzes.
But wait, the Dolphins’ offensive line has also been shaky, giving up three sacks in each of the first two games. Without Hill’s presence in practice, the timing drill that often masks protection issues couldn’t be fully evaluated. Yet head coach Mike McDaniel insisted on Tuesday that the team “will stick to the game plan” and that “Tyreek’s health is the only variable we’re watching.”
According to an insider who asked to stay anonymous, Hill’s personal reason for skipping practice was “family‑related” and not injury‑related. The player himself hasn’t commented publicly, but a teammate whispered that Hill “just needed a breather.”
Trade whispers and the Steelers angle
ESPN’s ESPN reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers have opened talks with Miami about a possible trade package that could include draft picks and a cornerback. The rumor mill heated up after Pittsburgh’s own wide‑receiver corps suffered injuries to Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool earlier this month.
Should a deal go through, Hill would pair with Steelers’ quarterback Kenny Pickett, providing the kind of deep‑threat capability Pittsburgh lacks. It would also free up Miami’s cap space, potentially allowing them to chase a defensive edge before the trade deadline on Oct. 30.
For now, the Dolphins front office says the rumor is “unconfirmed.” Yet the timing – just before a critical divisional game – has fans and analysts debating whether Miami will keep Hill as a rallying point or use him as a bargaining chip.
Other pieces of the Monday Night puzzle
It’s not just Hill. Jets quarterback Justin Fields was cleared from a concussion that sidelined him against the Bills, and he’s expected to throw the first pass on Sunday night. Fields’ return adds a new dimension to an already potent Jets offense that has averaged 345 yards per game.
On Miami’s side, tight end Darren Waller is finally healthy enough to make his season debut after a hip injury kept him out of the first three contests. Waller’s versatility could open up a safety‑blanket route that helps stretch the Jets’ secondary.
Meanwhile, defensive stalwart Xavien Howard is nursing a hamstring strain, casting doubt on Miami’s ability to generate a pass rush against New York’s veteran O‑line.
What a win—or loss—means for Miami
If the Dolphins pull off a victory, they’ll snap the 0‑4 drought and gain a much‑needed morale boost heading into their next two games against the Bills and the Patriots. A win would also give McDaniel a chance to showcase the offensive adjustments made without Hill’s practice presence, proving that the system can adapt.
Conversely, a loss could accelerate trade talks. The speculation surrounding Hill would likely intensify, and morale in the locker room could dip further. Analysts note that an early-season loss often leads teams to look for “big‑ticket” moves before the deadline.
The Jets, meanwhile, are sitting 1‑3 and desperate for a win to stay in the AFC East hunt. A victory against Miami would push them above the .500 mark and give Justin Fields his first win as a starter, bolstering his confidence after a week of concussion concerns.
Looking ahead: the next steps
After Monday night, the NFL calendar is packed. Miami’s next two matchups are on the road, first at Buffalo’s high‑altitude stadium and then at New England’s historic home. If Hill stays healthy and the trade rumor fizzles, the Dolphins could rely on his speed to carve out big plays against tough secondary units.
Should a trade materialize, the Steelers would likely integrate Hill into a West Coast‑style offense that emphasizes quick slants and deep routes, reviving his 2022 breakout numbers. Either way, the coming weeks will answer whether Miami’s decision to keep Hill was a gamble or a masterstroke.
- Tyreek Hill missed Saturday practice but is listed as active for Monday Night Football.
- Hill has 15 receptions, 198 yards, and 1 TD through three games.
- Trade rumors link Hill to the Pittsburgh Steelers; no deal confirmed.
- Jets QB Justin Fields cleared from concussion; expected to start.
- TE Darren Waller set to debut after hip injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Tyreek Hill’s practice absence affect his performance on Monday?
Missing the final walkthrough means Hill didn’t run the latest timing routes with the offense, potentially leading to a slower start. However, his natural speed and years of experience often let him adapt in‑game, and coaches say the playbook remains unchanged.
What are the main details of the trade rumor involving the Steelers?
Sources claim Pittsburgh is interested in sending a 2026 second‑round pick plus a cornerback to Miami for Hill. The Steelers would gain a deep‑threat receiver for Kenny Pickett, while Miami could free cap space. Nothing is official, and the deadline is Oct. 30.
Will Darren Waller’s return impact the Dolphins’ offense against the Jets?
Waller adds a reliable safety‑blanket and a red‑zone threat. Against a Jets defense that has struggled against tight ends this season, his presence could free up Hill and Tagovailoa, creating more mismatches.
How significant is Justin Fields’ return for the Jets?
Fields cleared his concussion on Monday, giving the Jets a fully healthy starter. His mobility and arm strength should elevate the offensive tempo, especially against a Dolphins secondary that already has to contend with Hill’s speed.
What does a win or loss mean for the Dolphins’ season outlook?
A win breaks the 0‑4 slide, restores confidence, and buys time for the front office before the trade deadline. A loss deepens the slump, likely spurs more aggressive trade talks, and puts the Dolphins in a must‑win mode for the rest of the season.
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