Popping out of a vital win in opposition to the Cowboys, the Dolphins have one in every of their beginning huge receivers going through a cloudy outlook as 2024 nears.
Assessments are ongoing, however Mike McDaniel stated Monday (via ESPN.com’s Marcel Louis-Jacques) the damage that compelled Jaylen Waddle out of Sunday’s matchup seems to be like a excessive ankle sprain.
The Dolphins, who had been iffy to have Tyreek Hill out there for Week 16 as a result of an ankle damage, misplaced Waddle with what was initially believed to be a shin illness.
McDaniel’s replace makes this a bit extra regarding, particularly given the Dolphins’ upcoming schedule and push for his or her first AFC East title since 2008.
Waddle left the Miami-Dallas matchup twice as a result of damage, not returning after the second occasion. Whereas the Dolphins prevailed with out their youthful pace service provider, this might be an apparent setback — particularly contemplating the variety of accidents they’ve sustained on offense.
Miami performed Sunday with out 4 beginning offensive linemen, with solely Terron Armstead — who has once more missed time as a result of damage beforehand this season — out there. The AFC East leaders have been capable of face up to these nagging points, shifting to 11-4 and qualifying for the playoffs for a second straight yr. However Waddle’s standing will clearly be value monitoring.
McDaniel expressed optimism about his No. 2 wideout, however excessive ankle maladies usually sideline gamers for a number of weeks. The Dolphins shut the season with video games in opposition to the Ravens and Payments. A loss in Baltimore and Buffalo defeating New England would make the rivals’ Week 18 tilt for the AFC East championship.
Waddle has solely missed two video games over the course of his professional profession, however an ankle fracture caused the 2021 first-round decide to overlook seven video games throughout his last Alabama season. The overqualified Hill sidekick snared a 50-yard reception in opposition to the Cowboys earlier than leaving Sunday, placing him over 1,000 receiving yards for a 3rd straight yr.
Contemplating Waddle’s significance to the crew, it could be a shock if the Dolphins thought of an IR transfer right here.