The Miami Dolphins are already without All-Pro wideout Tyreek Hill (ankle) in Week 15. Could they be without Jaylen Waddle, too? Miami’s WR2 went down early on Sunday and appeared to suffer. What happened to Waddle, and what’s his current injury status?
Jaylen Waddle Injury Update
Waddle went down after the Dolphins’ third offensive play. He hauled in a 23-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa but stayed down on the field and appeared to be in pain. Waddle’s reception was called back due to offensive holding.
While he was able to leave the field under his own power, Waddle immediately entered the blue medical tent on Miami’s sideline. He was holding his chest as he walked off the field.
#Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle exited the game and is in the medical tent after getting injured on this play.
Miami is already without Tyreek Hill.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 17, 2023
Waddle eventually left the medical tent and was sitting on Miami’s bench. The Dolphins listed him as questionable to return with a chest injury.
Fortunately, Waddle returned to the game shortly after Miami’s injury update. The third-year pass catcher appears to have avoided a serious issue.
Expected to be the focal point of the Dolphins’ offense with Hill sidelined, Waddle had already posted two catches for 21 yards before departing. The 2021 first-round pick, who led the NFL with 18.1 yards per reception last season, had posted 63 catches for 822 yards and three scores entering Week 15.
MORE: Miami Dolphins Depth Chart
With Waddle out, Miami used Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Robbie Chosen. Braxton Berrios, Chase Claypool, and River Cracraft represent other options along the club’s wide receiver depth chart.
What Would the Dolphins’ Offense Look Like Without Waddle?
With Hill already out of the mix this week, Miami’s WR group is thin, to say the least. Wilson, Chosen, and Berrios would figure to see their target expectancy rise the most, but neither is more than fantasy roster depth that you’re hoping not to have to play.
Should Waddle’s injury linger, Tagovailoa’s status as a top-10 quarterback should not be assumed against the Dallas Cowboys next week. Through 14 weeks, the Dolphins’ play-calling has been neutral, a minor surprise given their talent at the receiver position.
Should the WR room struggle to maintain health, it stands to reason that Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane would be considered top-24 RBs and strong starts, even in a tough Week 16 matchup.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe