Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins could be preparing to play without Tyreek Hill.
Miami’s star wide receiver missed Wednesday’s practice with a hip injury. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote that Hill missing Week 8’s game against the New England Patriots “sounds like a real possibility.”
Per NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, Tagovailoa discussed practicing without Hill on Wednesday.
“No one can emulate what Tyreek does on the field,” Tagovailoa said. “His speed, his cuts in and out of breaks. I don’t think there’s anyone that can emulate him. He’s in his own league. He’s one of a kind.”
Here’s the full video context of Tua Tagovailoa speaking about practicing and potentially playing without Tyreek Hill, who missed practice today with hip injury. pic.twitter.com/PUbY8KCXyM
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 25, 2023
However, Tagovailoa noted that they still have Jaylen Waddle and other talented players.
“If we couldn’t have Tyreek, that would be tough, but the show goes on,” he continued. “We’ve got to continue to play. Somewhere down the line, we’re going to get Tyreek back.”
Tagovailoa appeared to be speaking broadly without knowing Hill’s status. Yet “somewhere down the line” probably isn’t what fans want to hear about when Hill will play.
Hill sat out an inconsequential final game of the 2020 season for the Kansas City Chiefs, but he hasn’t missed time with an injury since early in the 2019 campaign.
After tallying 1,742 yards for the Dolphins last season, Hill is on pace for even gaudier numbers. He leads the NFL with 902 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns, and 351 yards after the catch.
Tagovailoa also leads the NFL in passing yards (2,092) and quarterback rating (110.4) for a juggernaut offense first in total yards and scoring. Yet losing Hill would provide a severe test to the 25-year-old passer.
Tua, Hill, and most NFL viewers will especially hope Hill can play his former team when the Dolphins face the Chiefs in Germany next weekend. They first must worry about Bill Belichick’s Patriots this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.