Tyreek Hill Released by Dolphins After Severe Knee Injury

Ex-NFL doctor projects long recovery timeline, possible career threat for 5-time All-Pro

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have released wide receiver Tyreek Hill after he suffered a dislocated left knee and multiple torn ligaments, including an ACL tear, during a Week 4 game in 2025. An ex-NFL doctor has provided an injury update, projecting Hill may not be able to return until late this season or next season, and warned the injury could be career-threatening given Hill's playing style.

Why it matters

Hill's release raises questions about his NFL future, as teams will need to weigh the risk of signing a player recovering from such a severe knee injury. The timeline for his return is uncertain, and there are concerns the injury could be career-ending for the 31-year-old speedster.

The details

Hill suffered the injury in Week 4 of the 2025 season while playing for the Dolphins. He underwent season-ending surgery and has said he needs one more surgery. An ex-NFL doctor, Dr. David Chao, has said Hill appeared to have nerve palsy when seen walking after his initial surgery, and the injury falls into the "career-threatening" category for a player of Hill's style. Chao believes Hill likely won't be able to sign with another team until he can pass a physical, which may not happen until late this season or next season.

  • Hill suffered the injury on September 29, 2025 during a Week 4 game.
  • The Dolphins released Hill on February 16, 2026.

The players

Tyreek Hill

A 31-year-old wide receiver who was a 5-time All-Pro with the Kansas City Chiefs before signing with the Miami Dolphins in 2022.

Dr. David Chao

A former NFL team doctor who has provided medical analysis on Hill's injury and recovery timeline.

Miami Dolphins

The NFL team that released Tyreek Hill after he suffered a severe knee injury in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“He appeared to have nerve palsy when he was seen walking after his initial surgery. He is said to need another surgery per his own post and he's been cut by the Dolphins, likely with a failed physical designation, although that hasn't been specified yet.”

— Dr. David Chao, Former NFL Team Doctor

“He won't be able to sign with another team until he can pass another physical and so it remains to be seen when that might happen. He's 31, I believe, and any significant knee injury, much less a knee dislocation, is in the career-threatening category for the type of player that he is.”

— Dr. David Chao, Former NFL Team Doctor

“Every chapter in life has taught me something. This one taught me leadership, resilience, and mostly gratitude. The love I have for this game is unexplainable. And right now, this off season, for the first time ever, The Cheetah is all the way turned up and locked in. Focused.”

— Tyreek Hill (Social Media)

What’s next

It remains to be seen which NFL team, if any, will sign Tyreek Hill once he is able to pass a physical examination and demonstrate he has recovered from his severe knee injury.

The takeaway

Tyreek Hill's release by the Dolphins highlights the risks teams face when signing star players recovering from major injuries, especially those that could be career-threatening. Hill's uncertain future serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of an NFL career and the importance of thoroughly evaluating a player's long-term health before making a significant investment.