The Dolphins have kickoff return options aside from Hill.

Berrios.

Speedy running back Raheem Mostert, who handled those duties in 2022.

Speedy wide receiver Jaylen Waddle,

Speedy running back De’Von Achane.

For a team that’s been hit hard by injuries to key players in the two-season Mike McDaniel era —– quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, left tackle Terron Armstead, right tackle Austin Jackson, center Connor Williams, cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, to name a few — the smart play is protecting your key players as much as is reasonably possible.

You know what I think about Hill. I’ve said he’s the Most Important Player on the Dolphins.

We can all agree he’s the No. 1 threat for an offensive-minded team that’s trying to make some noise in the playoffs.

To me, the same reason to use Hill on kickoff returns — every yard counts, every possession counts, every game counts as Miami tries to get a home playoff game —is the reason not to use him on kickoff returns.

To my way of thinking, each game is so important that you can’t afford to play a single game without Hill.

The Dolphins’ offense goes nowhere without Hill.

The Dolphins’ season goes nowhere without Hill.

At this point, even with kickoffs projected to have a lower injury rate, I wouldn’t put Hill on kickoff returns.

The injury risk outweighs gaining a few yards per game.

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