Are Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill playing in the Dolphins final preseason game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been duking it out in joint practice, and while things have gone mostly well, the injury bug hasn’t exactly been kind to the Dolphins. Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and even Odell Beckham Jr. have been dealing with various injuries, leaving fans wondering whether they’ll suit up in the preseason finale. Head coach Mike McDaniel is trying to keep things positive, but there’s a cautious tone in the air.

In the preseason so far, the Dolphins have been rolling with backup quarterbacks Mike White and Skylar Thompson at the helm. Sure, preseason games aren’t make-or-break, but it’s hard not to smile when your team is sitting at 2-0 after wins against the Commanders and Falcons. Still, the big question on everyone’s mind is whether we’ll see the stars, particularly Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, in the final dress rehearsal against the Bucs.

So, is Tua going to take the field? McDaniel’s been a bit cryptic, admitting that some starters will play while others might be resting up. If history is any indicator, Tua could be out there. Over the past couple of years, he’s suited up for two preseason games each season, and with one already under his belt this year, it’s not a stretch to think he might get some reps.

Tua looked sharp in his last outing against the Commanders, going 5-for-5 for 51 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown strike to River Cracraft. The Dolphins pulled off a 13-6 win, and Tua did everything you could ask for in a preseason appearance. So, don’t be shocked if he’s out there slinging it again when the Dolphins line up against Tampa Bay.

But what about Tyreek Hill? The speedster’s been spotted with a removable brace during practice, and while it’s not a “major injury,” McDaniel’s taking no chances. Hill didn’t practice on Wednesday, and while he was seen catching balls in pads without the brace, the vibe suggests he might be sitting this one out. McDaniel emphasized the importance of being cautious with Hill, stating, “You’re just trying to let something cool down, so you don’t have something happen at the expense of regular-season games.” Translation: Don’t expect to see the Cheetah in action against the Bucs.

And then there’s Jaylen Waddle, who’s been missing in action at training camp for a few weeks now with what’s being called an “undisclosed injury.” McDaniel insists it’s nothing serious, but Waddle’s only been doing individual drills and has yet to participate in full team practice. So, while the outlook is optimistic, it’s safe to say Waddle’s preseason might be over before it really began.

Meanwhile, Odell Beckham Jr. is another name fans have been buzzing about, but don’t get your hopes up. Beckham’s been on the PUP list with his own “undisclosed injury,” and McDaniel isn’t in any rush to get him back on the field. “I’m not rushing the process,” McDaniel said. “The intention is to not have something holding him back.” So, it’s pretty clear OBJ’s not suiting up anytime soon.

Beyond the big names, the Dolphins have a few other injury concerns. Center Aaron Brewer has been sidelined for the past couple of weeks with a hand injury, and River Cracraft, who caught that TD from Tua, is dealing with a shoulder issue that could keep him out against the Bucs.

So, while the Dolphins have looked good in the preseason so far, the focus seems to be on making sure everyone’s healthy and ready to go when the games start to matter. McDaniel’s balancing act between getting his starters some reps and keeping them safe is a delicate one, but with regular season right around the corner, it’s better to be safe than sorry.