The concerns about Tyreek Hill’s leg injury sustained on Monday night have been confirmed. He has torn his ACL along with several ligaments in his left knee during the Dolphins’ 27-21 win over the Jets on “Monday Night Football,” as reported by ESPN.
Hill is expected to undergo surgery likely at the end of the season, scheduled for Tuesday.
The injury happened early in the third quarter while he was catching a sideline pass. His left foot became trapped as he interacted with Jets Safety Malaki Moore, bending his knee at an unnatural angle. An air cast was applied before he was escorted off the field.
Despite the injury, Hill left the field with a smile and spent the night at the hospital.
“He was probably in the best spirits amid such a horrific experience,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel stated after the game. “He had wide eyes, saying, ‘I’m fine, make sure everyone gets this win.’ He was all about the team.”
Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, accompanied him in the ambulance and described the moment as “very painful,” but noted Hill’s surprisingly positive attitude.
After the game, he mentioned that they were waiting on results from an MRI and CT scan, unsure about the full extent of the damage.
Rosenhaus shared concerns about potential ligament tears, cartilage issues, and blood flow, indicating that the doctors suggested Hill dislocated his knee. It was clear to anyone who witnessed the incident that it was significant.
This injury raises questions about Hill’s future with the Dolphins and his overall career.
Typically, an ACL tear could result in nearly a year out, with multiple ligaments potentially also affected.
A similar fate befell 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk last year, and San Francisco’s GM John Lynch noted their recovery timelines aren’t looking promising.
There are speculations if this season might be Hill’s last with the Dolphins, especially since he voiced frustration about being unable to lead the team to the playoffs last year and hasn’t been as impactful as previously.
If the Dolphins decide to cut Hill after June 1 next year, they could create $36 million in salary cap space but also face a dead cap of $15.9 million in 2026 and $12.4 million in 2027.
Against the Jets, Hill caught six passes for 67 yards, totaling 21 catches for around 265 yards and one touchdown this season.
The Dolphins, now at 1-3, are looking to hold onto their victory but will aim to move forward without Hill as they prepare to face the Panthers in week 5.
Miami tight end Darren Waller noted that other receivers will have opportunities to step up, indicating a need for the team to keep moving forward. “It’s a business, and we have to adapt,” he said. “While there’s no direct replacement for Hill, I believe others can rise to the occasion.”
