INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s availability for Monday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams was uncertain. Not only did he play, but Hill ended the longest touchdown drought of his NFL career during Miami’s 23-15 victory.
Known for his explosive plays, Hill found the end zone on a 1-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa in the third quarter, extending the Dolphins’ (3-6) lead to 17-6. This marked Hill’s return to scoring after seven consecutive games without a touchdown since his opening game against Jacksonville, where he also recorded a season-high 130 yards on seven receptions.
“I had no idea about that, which is crazy, man,” Hill stated. “Yeah, it’s a blessing to be back in the end zone. I am grateful to be part of this team. Whatever I can do to help this team win, I’m all for it. It doesn’t matter about me scoring touchdowns; it’s about winning. It’s special being able to contribute and make something happen with these guys.”
Hill had been listed as questionable due to a torn ligament in his wrist. He missed two practice days last week, and Tagovailoa mentioned that the team hadn’t known until Sunday night if Hill would play.
However, fellow receiver Odell Beckham Jr. expressed confidence in Hill’s participation.
“I don’t think there was ever a doubt he wasn’t playing, injury or not,” Beckham said. “Nah, he wasn’t going to miss ‘Monday Night Football’ in a must-win situation! The fact that he was out there and scored, he knows how much he means to this team, so we appreciate him.”
Hill finished the game with three receptions for 16 yards. This represented his second lowest output as a receiver this season, falling short of his performance in Week 7 against Indianapolis, where he managed one catch for 8 yards. Hill also contributed 11 rushing yards on two carries.
These stats further highlight what is shaping up to be Hill’s least impactful season since his rookie year with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. He currently has 37 receptions for 462 yards and two touchdowns, a significant drop compared to his consistent performance of at least 1,700 yards during his first two years with Miami. He previously spent six seasons with the Chiefs.
The 30-year-old Hill has consistently achieved over 1,200 receiving yards in the past four seasons. In 2022, he led the NFL with 1,799 yards and 13 touchdown receptions and agreed to a restructured contract with more guaranteed money in August.
Much of this season’s decline is attributed to Tagovailoa’s extended absence due to a concussion. However, Tagovailoa stated that Hill and Jaylen Waddle haven’t pressured him to compensate for lost yardage since his return against Arizona in Week 8, particularly against the Rams’ defense, which primarily employed conservative pass coverages.
“Coming into this game, they could have easily said something like, ‘Dude, just keep throwing the ball even if they’re in a two-high shell,’” Tagovailoa said. “But those guys are all about winning. They’re truly dedicated to it.”
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