Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Jonathan Taylor

Friday, September 5, 5:07 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (hip) was unable to practice all week and was officially ruled out for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, per Travis Wingfield of MiamiDolphins.com. Waller retired and did not play football in 2024 but came out of retirement to play for the Dolphins this season. Miami took it easy on him this summer in training camp as he worked his way back into football shape before suffering a setback with his hip before Thursday's practice. The 32-year-old veteran will now miss the season opener and could also be in danger of sitting out in Week 2 against the division-rival New England Patiots. At best, Waller is a bench stash as a TE2 in deeper leagues while he tries to get into shape and overcome a hip ailment. Fantasy managers should ignore Julian Hill and Tanner Conner, who will split TE duties with Waller sidelined.

Monday, September 8, 3:10 PM

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that running back Jonathan Taylor (neck) is "good" after he took an awkward hit to his neck area in Sunday's Week 1 blowout win over the Miami Dolphins, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Steichen added that Taylor could have gone back into the game, but with the Colts up big in the second half, it wasn't worth it. The Colts also took the opportunity to get an extended look at rookie DJ Giddens with Tyler Goodson (elbow) inactive. Taylor had 18 carries for 71 yards and caught all three of his targets for 27 yards in the 33-8 win before departing and not returning. It was a bummer to see quarterback Daniel Jones fall into the end zone at the goal line instead of Taylor, but all in all, it was a plus for JT's fantasy managers to see Indy's offense humming in Week 1. Taylor should be able to play in Week 2, albeit against a much stouter Denver Broncos defense.