Patriots Again Won’t Face Oft-Injured Former Pro Bowler After Dolphins Roster Move

The New England Patriots avoided facing former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller during their matchup vs. the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 as the pass-catcher was recovering from a hip injury.

Waller will also miss the Dolphins’ Week 18 contest against the Patriots on Sunday, this time due to a groin issue.

Miami placed Waller on injured reserve on Friday, which will end the 33-year-old’s season.

“Roster Moves | We have signed RB Donovan Edwards to the active roster off Washington’s practice squad and placed TE Darren Waller on the injured reserve list,” the Dolphins official account posted on X. “We have also released CB Clarence Lewis from the practice squad.”

Roster Moves | We have signed RB Donovan Edwards to the active roster off Washington’s practice squad and placed TE Darren Waller on the injured reserve list.

We have also released CB Clarence Lewis from the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/TCai6R1uzm

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 2, 2026

Waller retired in June 2024 following eight NFL seasons but came out of retirement and was traded to Miami in July.

He made his Dolphins debut in Week 4 and recorded 24 catches for 283 yards across nine contests while tying for the team lead with six touchdown receptions.