The Miami Dolphins are already dealing with multiple injuries, and now their star wide receiver has apparently joined that list. Wideout Tyreek Hill was held out of team drills during Wednesday's joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a thumb injury. 

Hill -- initially seen with a removable brace on his right hand during Tuesday's practice -- did participate in some portions of Wednesday's practice, according to head coach Mike McDaniel, who added that the team is trying to make sure that Hill does not turn a minor injury into a serious one. 

Hill could have practiced fully on Wednesday in Tampa but is being held out of team drills for precautionary reasons to not "put him at risk for further injury," McDaniel said ahead of the joint practice with the Bucs, via the Miami Herald.

"So he's been very active but we're trying to make sure we keep him out of harm's way," McDaniel said, via ESPN.

Despite not practicing with the team Wednesday, Hill was spotted in full pads catching the ball without wearing his cast.

Hill led the league in receiving yards last year (1,799), and he was tied with Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Mike Evans for the most receiving touchdowns (13).

There is reason for concern at the position in Miami. Odell Beckham Jr. is on the PUP list with an undisclosed injury and has not practiced during training camp. Jaylen Waddle continues to be sidelined and has missed two weeks of practice with an undisclosed injury and River Cracraft, who is dealing with an upper body injury, is expected to miss some time.

The Dolphins are obviously a better team with Hill out there, but his value increases even more when the other wide receivers are dealing with their own injuires. 

In early August, Hill restructured his deal into a three-year contract worth $90 million, $65 million of which was guaranteed money.

Hill, 30, joined the Dolphins in 2022 after spending the first six years of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning a Super Bowl with them after the 2019 season.

Dolphins WR Injuries: A Growing Concern

The Dolphins' injury woes at wide receiver have raised concerns for fans and analysts alike. The team's depth at the position has been tested, with key players like Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr., and River Cracraft all dealing with various ailments.

Waddle's Return and Beckham's Uncertain Status

Jaylen Waddle, who has been sidelined for two weeks with an undisclosed injury, was back on the field for Wednesday's practice. Although he participated in individual drills, he did not join the team drills. Coach McDaniel emphasized that the injury is minor, and Waddle could have played through it during the regular season. Waddle himself confirmed this, stating that he is always ready to go and is happy to be back practicing with the team.

Odell Beckham Jr., on the other hand, remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with an undisclosed injury and has not practiced during training camp. His status for the regular season remains unclear.

Cracraft's Injury and the Impact on the Roster

River Cracraft suffered a significant shoulder injury in the Dolphins' second preseason game against the Washington Commanders and is expected to miss significant time, potentially extending into the regular season. His absence could open the door for Erik Ezukanma, who impressed in his first preseason game, to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.

Dolphins' Injury Woes: A Recurring Theme

The Dolphins have faced injury problems for the past two seasons, hindering their playoff aspirations. The team's recent injury struggles have sparked questions about their ability to stay healthy and contend for a championship.

McDaniel's Cautious Approach

Coach McDaniel has adopted a cautious approach to managing injuries, particularly for key players like Tyreek Hill. While Hill's thumb injury is considered minor, McDaniel is taking steps to prevent it from worsening, potentially sacrificing some practice time but ensuring Hill is ready for the regular season.

The Need for Depth

The Dolphins' injury woes highlight the importance of having depth at every position. While the team's starting lineup boasts talent, injuries can quickly expose weaknesses if there are not enough reliable backups ready to step up.

Moving Forward: A Focus on Health and Performance

The Dolphins' primary focus heading into the regular season must be on getting healthy and building a strong foundation for success. While preseason games are important for evaluating players, the team's priority should be on ensuring their key players are ready for the grueling schedule ahead.

The Dolphins have a talented roster and a capable coaching staff, but their success will ultimately depend on their ability to manage injuries effectively and maintain their focus on performance. If they can do that, they have the potential to achieve great things in the upcoming season.