Darren Waller's return got off to a smashing start, with the tight end scoring two touchdowns in the Miami Dolphins' first win of 2025.
The contests marked Waller's first game since 2023. After retiring in 2024, the athletic tight end made a comeback, but the Dolphins took it slow with the 33-year-old, not pushing him during training camp or early this season.
In Monday's 27-21 win, Waller played just 14 snaps (25%). He caught three of four targets for 27 yards and the two scores. Heading into Week 5, he's ready to up that workload.
"That goes back to the plan that they have for me, and they've done a great job of communicating how they want to build it up and ramp it up more," he said on Wednesday. "I'm grateful that I'll get to throw a few more pitches this week and have it only increase. I'm excited about being out there a little bit more."
The Dolphins should be deliberate with Waller's snaps, even while upping that pitch count. The veteran has an extensive injury history, including dealing with a hip strain earlier this season. The worst thing Mike McDaniel could do is push him too quickly, too soon, and see a promising start quickly fizzle.
Waller was the first 30-plus-year-old tight end since at least 1970 with two-plus receiving TDs in a debut with a new team, per NFL Research.
With Tyreek Hill's season-ending knee injury, however, the Dolphins need someone to earn those targets. Particularly in the red zone, Waller should see his reps increase. He played just four red zone snaps in Week 4. Half of those went for TDs.
