The Miami Dolphins head into Week 13 with renewed curiosity surrounding Darren Waller’s potential return. After missing every game since Week 6, the tight end has finally shown signs of progress on the practice field, but the Dolphins have not offered a definitive signal on his availability.

That uncertainty keeps his status one of the most-watched developments ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Is Darren Waller Finally Close to Making His Return for the Dolphins?

The Dolphins’ official injury report adds important clarity to Waller’s trajectory. According to the team’s updated practice log, he was limited on Wednesday, then upgraded to full participation on Thursday. Friday’s designation was left blank, and his official game status remains “(–)”, indicating that the Dolphins have not ruled him in or out.

This progression aligns with earlier reporting that he is “trending in the right direction,” though the team has stopped short of confirming that he will suit up.

Waller last played in Week 6, where he delivered 2 receptions for 12 yards and a touchdown. Across his three games this season, he has totaled four touchdowns, producing meaningful red-zone impact despite limited volume.

That efficiency underscores why the Dolphins would welcome his return, especially against a Saints defense built around young, athletic defenders. Waller is viewed as a matchup threat capable of exploiting the strengths of New Orleans’ young defenders, something the Dolphins’ depth options Greg Dulcich and Julian Hill are far less likely to replicate.

MORE: 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft

The Dolphins are navigating additional pass-catching injuries, although both affected receivers are showing encouraging levels of participation. Jaylen Waddle (foot) is listed as a full participant, entering Week 13 with 49 receptions, 722 yards, and five touchdowns.

Dee Eskridge (shoulder) also logged full participation and has contributed 62 receiving yards on 4 catches this year. Their availability stabilizes the receiving group but does not replicate the matchup advantages Waller typically creates.

The Dolphins have continued to approach the situation carefully. According to the current information, his availability remains uncertain, and there is no assurance that he will play on Sunday. If Waller is held out, Dulcich and Hill would again see increased roles, though neither has matched Waller’s production or influence in contested situations.

The Dolphins’ broader offensive picture adds another layer of complexity. According to PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, they hold a 73.4 score, ranking 17th in the league with an overall grade of C. Their 4–7 record underscores an offense that has struggled for consistency, making a healthy Waller even more valuable heading into a matchup where execution will matter.

The Dolphins’ staff seems aware of the strategic benefits Waller provides, but they also appear committed to ensuring his pectoral injury is fully resolved before reintroducing him to game action.

For now, all signs point toward a legitimately possible return, backed by a promising Thursday practice upgrade. Whether that optimism translates into a Week 13 appearance will likely depend on how Waller responds to the final pregame evaluation window.

Miami Dolphins’ Insights for Week 13

Team: Miami will play the Saints and Jets after the Week 12 bye.

QB: Tua Tagovailoa has thrown an interception on one of every 4.2 attempts. His previous career low was in 2021, when he had 2.6 interceptions per attempt.

Offense: De’Von Achane is fourth in the NFL with an 86.2 (B) RBi this season. He led the NFL with a 95.1 RBi (A) in 2023.

Defense: Miami has held opponents to 13 points or fewer in three of the last four games. They allowed 27+ points in six of the first seven games.

Fantasy: Over his past four games, Jaylen Waddle is averaging 16.7 yards per catch and has seen his average depth of target (aDOT) increase by 13.4% over that run. That role can carry variance, but the Saints have ranked in the bottom quarter of the league in deep pass TD% for the majority of the season.