In a previous NFL life, Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was one of the league's top kickoff returners. Then he became too valuable from scrimmage to risk an injury while playing on special teams.

But with the NFL’s new kickoff rules, which are designed to reduce injury risk by reducing high-speed collisions, using Hill on kickoff returns becomes a more viable option.

The question is, do the Dolphins think it’s a worthwhile risk?

It’s not an easy answer.

I don’t think I’d do it.

Hill, who averages 27.4 yards per kickoff return for his career, could get three or four more touches per game as a full-time kickoff returner.

Considering it’s Hill, who was once a Pro Bowl kickoff returner, that’s three or four more opportunities for an instant touchdown. It’s also three or four more opportunities for a big play and great field position.

Another benefit of Hill returning kickoffs is that he’d field the ball in open space, with plenty of room to use his instincts, quickness and speed.

And when the Dolphins win the pre-game coin toss and defer, Hill could field the third-quarter kickoff that starts what coaches regard as one of the most important possessions of the game, the first possession of the second half.

Don’t worry. Hill can take the extra hits.

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