Injury Expert Says Tyreek Hill 'Iffy' to Face Jets in Week 15
Tyreek Hill is arguably the most important piece on the Miami Dolphins' high octane offense, but the electrifying receiver may not be available to face the New York Jets in Week 15.
Hill suffered a first-quarter ankle injury in Monday night's 28-27 home loss to the Tennessee Titans. He eventually returned in the second half but was visibly hampered while fighting through apparent discomfort.
The All-Pro receiver went down after catching a short pass to the right side that resulted in a six-yard loss. Titans' defensive back Sean Murphy-Bunting took Hill to the ground by using the recently-scrutinized "hip drop tackle" technique, which can result in the defender's lower body landing on the feet of the ball carrier. Hill made two grabs for 13 yards prior to exiting with under 3:00 remaining in the opening quarter.
"My adrenaline kicked in, I ran off the field. Then, I sat for awhile and it got stiff. I was going through a lot of pain," said Hill after the game.
Dr. David Chao, popularly known as @ProFootballDoc, offered a diagnosis during his Sports Injury Central halftime chat. Chao, who spent 17 years as a team physician for the San Diego Chargers, said Hill is dealing with a mild high ankle sprain.
"He could limp his way through with less than 100 percent [efficiency]," said Chao about Hill potentially returning to the Monday night game.
Hill re-entered and made a 23-yard reception on the final snap of the third quarter. He added a 25-yard catch on the third snap of the fourth quarter. Hill finished with four receptions for 61 yards, less than half of his average weekly receiving total (123.4 ypg) through 12 games. He played 34 of the Dolphins' 72 offensive snaps.
"I made up my mind that it's gonna hurt. I just went back in the game on my own," said Hill.
Chao claimed that the key to Hill's availability for the December 17 game against the Jets will come down to the amount of swelling that occurs during the shortened week of preparation.
"Iffy next week, but not long term," said Chao.
Even if he suits up, it's unlikely he'll do so at 100 percent health against the Jets' highly-regarded pass defense. New York ranks second amongst NFL team leaders in pass yards allowed (167.2) and yards allowed per pass play (5.41).
Through 13 games, Hill leads the NFL with 1,542 receiving yards on 97 catches. In the 34-13 win over the Jets on Black Friday, he went for 102 yards and one touchdown on nine receptions (12 targets) at MetLife Stadium.
Dolphins' head coach Mike McDaniel called Hill "day to day" while speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon.
The Jets (5-8) will visit the Dolphins (9-4) for a 1:00 pm ET kickoff on Sunday.
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