Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle left the Miami Dolphins’ game against the Houston Texans Sunday in significant pain after getting leg-whipped in the second quarter.
Here’s the latest of what we know Waddle’s injury.
What Happened to Jaylen Waddle?
Waddle suffered a knee injury when the back of his right leg was rolled up on from behind when trying to block for a run by De’Von Achane on a drive that ultimately resulted in a Dolphins field goal.
He remained down on the sideline for some time before rising to his feet and limping to the blue medical tent for evaluation. Prior to his injury, Waddle — a Houston native — had zero catches on two targets.
The Dolphins listed Waddle as questionable to return, but that might be a bit optimistic. Dr. David Chao of the Sports Injury Central speculated on X that Waddle suffered a sprained MCL and is unlikely to return.
Looks like Jaylen Waddle got rolled up on his legs. Left the field in pain and went to ground on sidelines. pic.twitter.com/ehU8mvFNRR
— Will Manso (@WillManso) December 15, 2024
Waddle joined his team on the sideline for the start of the second half, but was a spectatory with
With Waddle out, the Dolphins were left with just four healthy, active wide receivers: Tyreek Hill, Malik Washington, River Cracraft and Grant DuBose, who just recently came off of injured reserve.
But that number shrunk even more on the team’s first drive of the second half when DuBose took a brutal hit to the hit while trying to catch a pass.
The Dolphins waived Odell Beckham on Friday after an ineffectual stint in Miami.
What Is the Fantasy Impact of Mixon’s Injury?
Analysis by Kyle Soppe
Waddle had seen his stock ticking up at the right time, but this injury could set everything back in an offense that relies on motion and explosion as any from the WR position. As far as impacted parties, Malik Washington could move onto the DFS punt radar, but this more likely just puts more food on the plate of Tyreek Hill, Jonnu Smith, and De’Von Achane.
Some of the shine comes off of Tua Tagovailoa, though he’d still profile as a fine option next week (vs. SF) before heading outdoors for two games to close out this regular season.