Tyreek Hill injury: McDaniel praises WR for reaction to horror injury as Miami Dolphins beat New York Jets

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel hailed wide receiver Tyreek Hill for the inspirational way he handled a knee injury that is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.

Hill was taken off the field on a cart early in the third quarter as the Dolphins beat the New York Jets 27-21. The 31-year-old dislocated his left knee and was taken straight to hospital where further tests will determine how much damage has been caused to the rest of the joint.

As he was being treated, Hill smiled and joked with team-mates and McDaniel claims that attitude in the face of such a devastating setback inspired his players to the win.

“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.

“I saw him make eye contact and rip a joke or two to [Jaylen] Waddle and De’Von Achane], and I think a lot of guys got back into the game, provoked by what he said verbally. We talked a lot about all the stuff that Tyreek has done this offseason, and a big portion is leading by example and connecting with his teammates, and 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.”

Agent Rosenhaus: Hill’s future is uncertain

Hill spent last night in hospital and his agent Drew Rosenhaus admitted there were a lot of questions that needed to be answered before anyone could form a realistic opinion on how the future looked.

“Are there any torn ligaments, is there torn cartilage, are there any broken bones, to check on the blood flow, any, God forbid, nerve damage?” Rosenhaus told WSVN 7 News. “All of this is getting checked out.

“We don’t know the extent of the injury. Doctors have told me he dislocated his knee, which I think was apparent for everyone who watched the horrific play. But what that means, and the extent of the damage, and whether he’ll need surgery, to what extent, all of that we should find out within the next couple hours.”

Waller ready to step up in Hill’s absence

The future also looks uncertain for the Miami offense. Waddle will step up to be WR1 while tight end Darren Waller, who scored two touchdowns against the Jets, is likely to take on a bigger role.

“I feel like there will be a lot of guys in the receiver room that will have more opportunities to make plays. I have faith in them, especially from what I’ve seen over camp and the first few weeks,” Waller said. “Football is a game and a business where you got to move forward.

“There is no replacing [Hill], but I feel like we got guys that can get the job done.”