The Miami Dolphins‘ red-zone woes continued early against the Cowboys. Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Waddle were banged up on consecutive plays before attempting a fourth down from the 5-yard line, which they didn’t convert. What do we know about Waddle’s injury?
Jaylen Waddle Injury Update
With Tyreek Hill already playing at less than 100 percent, the Dolphins could ill-afford to lose Waddle, who started the game with a big catch down the right sideline against Stephon Gilmore in man coverage.
Their explosiveness is what makes the Miami offense so dangerous. While Waddle has been no stranger to miscellaneous minor injuries, getting poked in the eye probably wasn’t on anybody’s 2023 bingo card.
The Dolphins could lean heavily on the run if Waddle cannot return. The Cowboys’ defense has been bludgeoned by the ground game this season while being one of the best passing defenses in the NFL.
MORE: Miami Dolphins Depth Chart
Unfortunately, losing Mostert, who is having a career year, throws a wrench in that plan.
Waddle was seen tossing passes on the sideline with his helmet on after Miami kicked a field goal to make it 7-6 in favor of the opposition. He returned to the game just before the two-minute warning.
With about four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Waddle took an end around that picked up good yardage, but the speedy receiver appeared to roll his ankle when he was contacted near the sideline. He hobbled off the field and was seen doing the same minutes later on the sideline.
Waddle is now headed to the locker room https://t.co/qHiUjar0sL
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) December 24, 2023
Waddle has officially been listed as questionable to return with a shin injury.
Potential Fantasy Football Impact of Waddle’s Injury
Waddle was entering the Week 16 matchup against the Cowboys riding high off of his best performance of the season last week against the New York Jets with eight receptions for 142 yards and a score.
Waddle entered Week 16 with 71 receptions for 964 yards and four scores on 100 targets. His vacated 7.6 targets per game will likely benefit Cedrick Wilson and Braxton Berrios while out of the lineup. Hill’s elite target share and workload will remain unaffected.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate