Tyreek Hill's Unsure Return
Tyreek Hill Continues Grueling Rehab, Eyes Uncertain 2026 NFL Return After Severe Knee Injury
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Key Points
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Dolphins released Tyreek Hill on Feb. 16, 2026, which saved about $22.9 million in 2026 cap space but left a $28.2 million dead cap hit this year.
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Hill's 2023 season saw him lead the NFL in receiving yards with 1,799 and 13 receiving touchdowns; he has 11,363 receiving yards since 2016, ranking second in the league behind Davante Adams.
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Recent rehab videos show concrete workouts: aqua jogging in a pool, one-legged bounding, resistance-band work, weighted lunges, tempo runs, and short sprints; Hill says he has 'no power' in his left leg and that the timeline is 'looking real good' despite doctors' cautions.
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In the same offseason, the Dolphins made other notable roster moves, including trading wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, reflecting broader team changes as Hill rehabs.
Ten months after dislocating his left knee and tearing multiple ligaments, free agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill says he still has "no power" in his left leg. NY Post reported that the eight-time Pro Bowler, who underwent two surgeries, has been unable to return to the field since suffering the devastating injury in September 2025.
Hill was released by the Miami Dolphins on Feb. 16, 2026, saving the team roughly $22.9 million in cap space. Despite the grim prognosis — doctors once warned he might not walk again — Hill remains hopeful about a 2026 NFL return and continues to post video updates of his rehab progress.
A Knee Injury That Threatened Hill's Career
Hill's injury happened during a game against the New York Jets. He dislocated his left knee and tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL all at once. He had his first surgery the very next day. A second procedure followed in February 2026 to repair the LCL, according to The Score.
The damage was so severe that doctors warned Hill might never walk normally again. He has now spent nearly a year in rehab. NBC Sports noted that Hill himself has said he is "unsure" if he will ever play again. That uncertainty hangs over one of the NFL's most decorated receivers.
Hill Pushes Through Pool Drills and Resistance Work
Despite the setbacks, Hill has been grinding through a tough rehab routine. Kansas.com reported he has shared videos of aqua jogging, one-legged bounding, and jumping out of a pool at his South Florida home. He has also added resistance-band work, weighted lunges, strides, and tempo runs.
Hill is cautious but optimistic. He told fans the timeline is "looking real good," even as doctors urge patience. The core problem remains: his left leg still lacks the explosive power he needs to compete at an NFL level. Recovery from combined ligament tears typically takes 12 to 18 months.
From NFL's Top Receiver to Free Agent Limbo
Before the injury, Hill was one of the best receivers in football. In 2023, he led the entire NFL with 1,799 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He has 11,363 career receiving yards since 2016, second only to Davante Adams, according to Sacramento Bee.
His release cost the Dolphins a $28.2 million dead cap hit in 2026. The team also traded wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos this offseason. Miami is clearly moving in a new direction. Meanwhile, Hill has no team and no firm return date.
NFL Teams Watch and Wait on Hill's 2026 Comeback
Interest from NFL teams remains, but no one is rushing to sign Hill. That makes sense. Teams want to see him healthy before committing money. The Score reported that Hill is focused on health first and is not pushing for a quick signing. He wants to prove he can play, not just walk.
There is no firm timetable for his return. Hill's next step is simply getting power back in his left leg. If he can do that, a 2026 comeback is possible. If he cannot, one of the fastest players in NFL history may have played his last game.
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