Durham Smythe is one of the three tight ends remaining on the Dolphins' active roster following Tanner Conner's placement on injured reserve. He has been a consistent contributor, ranking second among offensive players on the team with 110 special teams snaps.

McDaniel benched Durham Smythe for the game against the Rams, a decision likely influenced by Smythe's performance and the need for accountability within the team. This move highlights McDaniel's willingness to make tough choices in an effort to improve the team's overall performance.

Durham Smythe has seen reduced playing time as rookie tight end Julian Hill has started over him, despite Hill's struggles on the field. McDaniel has been hesitant to bench players he respects for performance reasons, but Smythe's situation highlights the potential for changes in the lineup if the team continues to underperform.

Durham Smythe has been the Dolphins' primary in-line blocking tight end for several years, but his role has diminished this season as second-year undrafted tight end Julian Hill has seen increased playing time, out-snapping Smythe 201-143. Despite this shift, Smythe remains a crucial part of the team's tight end rotation. He faced challenges with penalties, including a critical holding call against the Colts that negated a significant run. Embree acknowledges Smythe's experience while highlighting the need for improved technique to mitigate penalties.

Durham Smythe struggled in critical situations, notably being penalized for a holding call that negated a significant run. He was also stuffed on a crucial third-and-1 play, contributing to the Dolphins' offensive inefficiencies. His performance highlighted the team's inability to execute in key moments, further compounding the challenges they faced against the Colts.