Dolphins turning to rookie Malik Washington to handle return duties

With Braxton Berrios done for the year, the Dolphins are turning to Malik Washington to make plays in the return game.

The Miami Dolphins will be without Braxton Berrios for the rest of 2024, but they’re hoping sixth-round rookie Malik Washington can provide a spark in return game instead.

“He did a good job in the preseason, got a good history,” Dolphins special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said of Washington on Thursday.  “Sadly, with Braxton getting injured, we felt really off to a strong year in the return game and decision-making and some of the things that he was able to do. But with Malik and some of the other guys that we’ve talked about over the years, we think we still have some quality players on the roster.”

Washington, 23, returned four kickoffs and 10 punts in preseason, averaging 28.8 yards on kick returns and 8.4 yards on punts. That included a 45-yard kick return and a 28-yard punt return during the Dolphins’ preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, that yardage was largely picked up against backup special teamers and Washington muffed the first punt kicked his way in August. It wouldn’t be surprising if there are growing pains for the rookie, who is tasked with replacing a sixth-year veteran who once earned All-Pro honors.

Behind Washington on the depth chart for kick return duties is running back De’Von Achane, who returned one kick for 32 yards in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks.

The Dolphins also have Tyreek Hill, who earned All-Pro honors as a rookie for his return skills, but hasn’t returned a kickoff in nearly eight years.

“I’m washed up in that department, bro. For real, I’m done,” Hill said with a laugh. “No, if the team needs me to go back there and return punts, obviously I’ll go back there. In critical situations I’m always trying to get the ball in my hands. I always want to be that playmaker. That’s just my mindset so for the past few weeks I’ve been practicing catching punts anyways, so if my number is called, I’m going to go back there.”

For now, though, it’s Washington who will be tasked with keeping the Dolphins, who rank fourth in average punt return yards and 13th in kick return average, on track.

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