The Miami Dolphins could be without star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for the rest of the season and potentially the postseason due to a high-ankle sprain he suffered during the team’s win over the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve.
Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network gave an update on Waddle Wednesday morning. Rapoport said Waddle’s injury typically takes anywhere from four to six weeks before a player can return to play in a game. He said it’s doubtful Waddle return for the Dolphins in the regular season.
Because of that timeline, Waddle could potentially he could miss the postseason if the Dolphins were to have an early exit in January.
From @gmfb: #Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle has a high-ankle sprain, #Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s status is in doubt with a shoulder sprain, and the #Steelers plan for QB Mason Rudolph this week. pic.twitter.com/q1ylibmzXh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2023
The Miami Dolphins give a more optimistic update
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was more optimistic Wednesday afternoon for Waddle’s recovery than Rapoport was in the morning. According to Josh Moser, McDaniel said Waddle’s injury isn’t too severe, and the wide receiver could not be ruled out for their contest against the Baltimore Ravens this weekend:
“[Waddle is] one of the toughest fast guys. It’s a high ankle sprain, it’s not severe, but it’s tough when you make a living on cutting…- it would be hard to rule him out today (Wednesday).”
Mike McDaniel on Jaylen Waddle: “he’s one of the toughest fast guys. It’s a high ankle sprain, it’s not severe, but it’s tough when you make a living on cutting…- it would be hard to rule him out today (Wednesday). #Finsup #NFLTwitter #NFL pic.twitter.com/1QbN3Qsyrk
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) December 27, 2023
Per Joe Schad with Palm Beach Post, Waddle missed Wednesday’s practice with several key starters, including Tyreek Hill, who is battling an ankle injury.
Miami Dolphins Wednesday practice, Ravens
Not spotted: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, De’von Achane, Terron Armstead, Robert Hunt
Spotted: Austin Jackson, Jevon Holland, Emmanuel Ogbah.
Key observation: Jevon Holland (knees) moving well.
On side: Robbie… pic.twitter.com/LwZG8HT5r2
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) December 27, 2023
Would the Dolphins bench Waddle for the team’s interest?
The Dolphins wanted Hill to sit in Week 15 to ensure their MVP candidate would be healthy for the playoffs. They allowed Hill to decide when he felt he could return to play. Hill was inactive in Week 15 but returned to play in Week 16.
The Dolphins might publicly be vague about Waddle’s injury as the Ravens prepare for Miami’s offense before an important AFC matchup this week that will be key in deciding the number one seed in the conference for the playoffs.
The Dolphins may play it safe with Waddle, knowing a playoff matchup against the Ravens (or another AFC opponent) is more important than getting a win in Week 17.
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