Dolphins Defeat Jets but Lose Tyreek Hill in the Process

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MIAMI, FL – The Dolphins finally took care of business and defeated the Jets 27-21, but they lost Tyreek Hill for the foreseeable future in the process. This was the first complete game in which the Fins looked comfortable on offense and defense. They put up 300 yards and only took six penalties. Most importantly, they finally came up with the takeaways that they were lacking. The result was the first win of 2025, which can certainly carry over onto their next set of games.

What a Comeback

First and foremost, Tua Tagovailoa was productive on the field, going 17-for-25 with 177 yards, two touchdowns, and a 114.9 rating. He jump-started the offense with his leadership.

What was more impressive was the season debut of Darren Waller. He caught both of Tagovailoa’s touchdowns, catching an endzone pass for the first time in 708 days. Waller made a statement in an impressive NFL comeback.

What a catch, @Rackkwall83! 🤯

📺: @ESPNNFL & @CBSMiami pic.twitter.com/5zMAIEqlr8

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 29, 2025

He was responsible for two of Miami’s three successful red-zone trips. The first catch was made in a challenging situation with two defenders right next to him. The second one was able to give the team a 14-point lead.

Already making an impact 💪 pic.twitter.com/kYdbgGcINi

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 30, 2025

Waller showed against New York why he will be a tough tight end for opposing defenses to cover.

Turnovers were Key

The difference maker in the game was the turnovers. The Jets had three while the Fins had none. They would’ve scored the first TD of the game had Braelon Allen not fumbled the ball. Instead, the Dolphins took advantage and gained 96 yards on 15 plays for a 10-0 lead. On their next play, they fumbled it again.

Right after halftime, down 10-3, the Jets fumbled the opening kickoff. As a result, the Dolphins ran six plays for 36 yards to the house. These mistakes, along with the 13 penalties for 101 yards, are what haunted them. Miami’s ability to capitalize on these blunders and not commit the same mistakes themselves is what earned them the win.

Gruesome Knee Injury

It was horrible to look at on the replay.

BREAKING: Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill has suffered a serious leg injury.

Players are kneeling and praying for the Miami star as medical staff attends to him on the field. pic.twitter.com/QebSzmiTbg

— IG: NFLPreme (@premefootball) September 30, 2025

For Tyreek Hill, it was a routine play. Tagovailoa snapped the ball and instantly had his eyes on Hill as the intended receiver. It was just another corner route, which Hill has done hundreds of times, until it wasn’t.

Something wasn’t right on this play, however. Anyone on the field could see that his leg snapped and was shaped in an awkward position. Hill was crying out in pain and needed a cart to exit the facility.

All Tyreek Hill could do was smile to tolerate the pain on his way out of the field.

Tyreek Hill acknowledged the fans while being carted off with an apparent left leg injury. pic.twitter.com/JqU3yDuwIt

— ESPN (@espn) September 30, 2025

He was formally diagnosed with a torn ACL and other torn ligaments. Hill had surgery which effectively ended his season.

In his four seasons in Miami, Tyreek Hill has caught 340 receptions for 4,733 yards and 27 touchdowns.

What’s Next in the WR Department?

This only adds insult to injury to the team’s depth. Since 2022, Hill had only missed one game and was a player that Mike McDaniel had built his offense around.

No player in the open market can fill Tyreek Hill’s shoes. The Dolphins brought back a familiar face to the organization in Cedrick Wilson Jr. He played for the team in 2022 and 2023 and is expected to see more playing time.

The Dolphins are reportedly bringing back WR Cedrick Wilson Jr.

He had a solid 2023 season and developed some trust with Tua. He’s another guy with some size that can block as well. pic.twitter.com/wKVS3tgD8C

— Jake (@FinsCentral) September 30, 2025

Wilson Jr. caught 34 passes for 432 and three touchdowns in 30 games for the Dolphins.

With Hill gone, the top receiver on the team is now Jaylen Waddle. He will see increased receiving targets but also more coverage from opposing defensive backs.

Malik Washington now has his chance to prove he’s capable of being the No. 2 receiver. The second-year player out of Virginia will have more of an impact on the team’s offensive playbook.

Malik Washington could be in line for a HUGE role with Tyreek Hill out for the season.

Will he be the most valuable WR added off waivers this year?

pic.twitter.com/627ZQS0k4A

— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) September 30, 2025

Tahj Washington is a player who impressed coaches during training camp and is likely to see more workload on the field.

De’Von Achane, who leads all NFL rushers in receptions and receiving yards, should expect to see more passes from Tagovailoa.

Hill intends to return to the field next season. His rehab process will be a lengthy one, and it’s too early to determine what the Dolphins will do at this position in the offseason. His contract runs through 2027. A trade or cut past June 1st would save them $36 million in cap space, creating $15.9 million in dead cap in 2026 and $12.4 million in 2027.

For now, the Fins will have to march on with what they’ve got, plus the addition of Cedrick Wilson Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

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