Miami Dolphins star receiver Tyreek Hill out for season after knee dislocation, ACL tear, coach says
Tyreek Hill's season for the Miami Dolphins came to a sudden end on Monday night, when the standout wide receiver's left knee became badly twisted shortly after he made a catch near the sideline.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Hill was diagnosed with a dislocated knee and tore several ligaments, including his ACL. Hill remained hospitalized overnight and underwent surgery Tuesday afternoon, McDaniel said during a news conference.
CBS News Miami confirmed Hill will not need another surgery and that the goal is to have him back next season.
McDaniel praised the medical staff for the off-field response to the hospital experience following Hill's injury.
When asked how to move forward without Hill's presence on the field, McDaniel said even though Hill's skills and energy will be missed, he knows it will take a combination of several players to step up.
McDaniel said even in the off-season, when the All-Pro receiver was out most of August after he injured an oblique muscle, players had to make adjustments.
"It's a combination of various individuals and not just receivers, but others who need to continue to develop," McDaniel said Tuesday.
He said now there's "a heightened sense of urgency." And while it may be a tough adjustment for some to play in and play out, McDaniel said it will be fun to watch the younger players grow and be more effective offensively.
"Young players really have to be on the game plan," he said. "[They have to] take a step in a productive direction to make up for what we lost with Tyreek."
McDaniel also believes that teams will change their defense against the Dolphins, which will have a big effect if his squad isn't running the ball well.
"The formula changes," without Hill, McDaniel said.
Hill was in good spirits after carted off field
An air cast was placed over his leg before Hill — cheering and clapping, acknowledging the cheers of fans — was taken off the field on a cart. He was then taken to a nearby hospital, the Dolphins said, "for imaging, evaluation and observation" of the knee injury.
"He was probably in the best spirits of any player that I've ever seen (have) such a terrible experience," McDaniel said. "He immediately had wide eyes and was talking, 'I'm good, just make sure the guys get this win.' He was focused on the team."
Hill underwent an MRI exam and a CT scan late Monday night, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said.
Members of the Dolphins' medical and athletic training staff were with Hill at the hospital, Rosenhaus said.
Hill's leg was bent at an ugly angle when medical personnel — who were at his side in a matter of a few seconds — got to him.
Hill was hurt when he made a catch and got tackled near the New York Jets' sideline with 13:21 left in the third quarter. He was running toward the sideline and planted his left foot, and his knee appeared to twist severely as he was getting pulled down.
Players from both teams took a knee at various spots on the field while Hill was tended to, and the cart was immediately summoned. Players gathered briefly around the cart before it was driven across the field and into the tunnel leading to the Dolphins' locker room.
The laughing and joking from Hill started even before he was carted off, McDaniel said, and he said Hill's reaction helped calm the Dolphins — who went on to beat the Jets 27-21 for their first win in four games this season.
"That's just his personality. That's just who he is," quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. "Our thoughts and our prayers are with him."
NFL players send well-wishes
There was immediate reaction from around the league, including a simple thought from Kansas City quarterback and Hill's former teammate, Patrick Mahomes.
"Prayers up man….." Mahomes posted on X shortly after the injury.
Hill, a five-time All-Pro selection and a Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs in the 2019 season, had matched a season high for catches with six when he got hurt.
Hill has 11,363 receiving yards since entering the NFL in 2017, the most in the league over that span. He also has 819 catches, fourth most in the league since 2017 behind only Davante Adams (886), Travis Kelce (880) and Stefon Diggs (824).
Hill's 83 touchdown catches are the third most in the NFL since 2017. Adams has 102 scoring catches, and Mike Evans has 91.
"It's part of the game. It's a sad reality we live," defensive lineman Zach Sieler said. "You have to play every last play like it's your last."
Hill's history with the Dolphins
The 31-year-old Hill is in his 10th NFL season and fourth with the Dolphins. He led the league with 1,799 receiving yards in 2023 — but has seen some rocky moments in his Miami tenure, including pulling himself from last season's finale and later indicating he wanted to play elsewhere.
That led to Hill having to rebuild some relationships with teammates, and the result of that work was even on display in the moments immediately after he got hurt, McDaniel said.
"We've talked a lot about all the stuff that Tyreek has done this offseason, and a big portion is to lead by example and connecting with his teammates," McDaniel said. "He kind of utilized that connectivity to make sure that his team was finishing on the right end. He was inspiring in that situation, and I think his teammates benefited from that."