MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Few players have been more dependable for the Miami Dolphins in the last three seasons than Jaylen Waddle. He has started 35 of a possible 36 games since entering the league, and no Dolphins player has more receiving yards (2,535) since the start of the 2021 season.
But with him still in the concussion protocol, Waddle is in real danger of missing Sunday’s Dolphins game against the Denver Broncos.
Miami Dolphins Practice Report
“Well, you know, I think I’m just gonna go home,” head coach Mike McDaniel joked when asked about game-planning without Waddle.
McDaniel then continued, more seriously:
“These great players afford you a ton of fortune to feature. There are a lot of players on this team, and there’s a lot of people that go about their business with complete humility and commitment to the team because a lot of guys on this team know that for us to be our very best, we have to do whatever we can for each other specifically, those guys.
“That being said, there’s plenty of players that can make plays on the team. I really don’t worry nearly as much as you think about what we don’t have. It’s like 100% what we do and how to problem-solve for that.”
Terron Armstead will practice today. Also, here’s Mike McDaniel on Jaylen Waddle and Jaelan Phillips. pic.twitter.com/XIbG24bO9E
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) September 20, 2023
Waddle suffered a concussion late in regulation of the Patriots game. He needs to clear multiple stages of the concussion protocol to be cleared to play.
Players in the protocol who show enough improvement can return to practice before being allowed to practice. Waddle is not yet at that point.
MORE: Ranking the NFL’s 2-0 Teams — What Comes Next For 49ers, Cowboys, and Dolphins?
“He’s not practicing today, and I’m not really worried about the timeline,” McDaniel said. “I’m more worried about him getting right. So, not really sure when that is, nor have I tried to pick that up.”
Waddle was a spectator at practice Wednesday, and chatted up McDaniel behind the end zone early in the session.
Elsewhere, running back Salvon Ahmed (groin) is not practicing Wednesday, and his availability for Thursday is in doubt. If he cannot play Sunday, De’Von Achane and Chris Brooks would see their roles grow.
Also not spotted Wednesday: Cornerback Xavien Howard, who got a veteran’s rest day.
The news was better for linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who participated in the portion of practice open to reporters Wednesday.
As for left tackle Terron Armstead, who has missed the first two games due to an ankle injury suffered on Aug. 17, McDaniel said:
“Terron will be in practice today. He’ll have an uptick tomorrow when the pads are on. And, so we’re full-steam ahead, we’ll, we’ll take it day by day.”
Denver Broncos vs. Miami Dolphins Injury Report
Broncos
Did Not Practice
- OLB Frank Clark (hip)
- DT Mike Purcell (ankle)
- S Justin Simmons (hip)
Limited
- OT Garrett Bolles (ankle)
Full
None
Dolphins
Did Not Practice
- RB Salvon Ahmed (groin)
- CB Xavien Howard (rest)
- WR Jaylen Waddle (concussion)
Limited
- OT Terron Armstead (back/ankle/knee)
- DB Elijah Campbell (knee)
- DT Raekwon Davis (wrist)
- TE Julian Hill (ankle)
- WR Tyreek Hill (ankle)
- TE Tyler Kroft (back)
- LB Jaelan Phillips (back)
- LB Andrew Van Ginkel (ankle)
Full
None