Despite a lingering wrist injury and question marks surrounding his availability, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill suited up for Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams, ending his longest touchdown drought of his NFL career in the process, The Associated Press reports.
Hill, known for his explosive playmaking, scored on a 1-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa in the third quarter, pushing the Dolphins (3-6) ahead 17-6. The score marked his first touchdown since the season opener against Jacksonville, a seven-game stretch that saw Hill struggle to find the end zone despite his usual big-play potential.
Hill’s status was uncertain leading up to the game due to a torn ligament in his wrist. He missed two days of practice last week, and Tagovailoa admitted the team wasn’t sure if he would play until Sunday night. However, fellow receiver Odell Beckham Jr. expressed confidence that Hill would be there, a prediction that ultimately proved true.
While the touchdown was a highlight, Hill’s overall performance was underwhelming, finishing with just three receptions for 16 yards. This marked his second lowest output of the season, following a one-catch, eight-yard performance in Week 7 against Indianapolis. He did contribute 11 yards on two rushing attempts.
This lackluster performance further fuels concerns about Hill’s declining production this season. He’s currently on pace for his least productive season since his rookie year in Kansas City, with just 37 receptions for 462 yards and two touchdowns. This is a sharp decline from his previous two seasons in Miami, where he surpassed 1,700 receiving yards each year.
Hill’s struggles can be attributed, in part, to Tagovailoa’s extended absence due to a concussion earlier in the season. However, Tagovailoa stated that neither Hill nor fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle felt the need to “make up” for lost production since his return, particularly against a Rams defense that employed conservative pass coverage.
Despite the underwhelming offensive showing, the Dolphins secured a 23-15 victory over the Rams, snapping a two-game losing streak.
