The Miami Dolphins‘ offense is among the NFL’s best, but they can’t afford to lose one of their top offensive playmakers. WR Jaylen Waddle took a hard shot and went down early in the first quarter of Miami’s Monday night game. Here’s the latest on the Dolphins’ WR2.
Jaylen Waddle Injury Update
Waddle brought in a 16-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa on the Dolphins’ second offensive play but stayed down on the field after taking a hit from a Tennessee Titans defender.
While Waddle appeared to be in pain, he was able to leave the field and head to Miami’s sideline under his own power.
Another injury for #FinsUp as Jaylen Waddle took a hard hit going over the middle. He’s is being looked at on the field.pic.twitter.com/rIPhu6bBoq
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 12, 2023
Although Waddle spent time in the blue medical tent, he returned to the field several plays later. Fortunately, the Dolphins appear to have averted a disaster.
Waddle has already missed time this season. He sat out of Miami’s Week 3 game against the Denver Broncos after suffering a concussion against the New England Patriots the week prior. The Dolphins managed without Waddle, scoring 70 points in a rout of the Broncos.
What Would Miami’s Offense Look Like Without Waddle?
Waddle had 57 receptions for 743 yards and three scores heading into Week 14. If he ever missed time, WR Tyreek Hill would continue to see his typical volume in Miami’s passing game but could face extra attention from opposing defenses.
Other players who would see an expanded role in the Dolphins’ passing attack in the event of a Waddle injury include WRs Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Braxton Berrios. The loss of Waddle could also slightly reduce QB Tua Tagovailoa’s fantasy value, but he would still be a top-10 QB.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate