Popping out of a vital win in opposition to the Cowboys, the Dolphins have certainly one of their beginning extensive receivers dealing with a cloudy outlook as 2024 nears.
Checks 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 appears like a excessive ankle sprain.
The Dolphins, who have been iffy to have Tyreek Hill obtainable for Week 16 as a consequence 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 consequence of damage, not returning after the second occasion. Whereas the Dolphins prevailed with out their youthful pace service provider, this is able to 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 consequence of damage beforehand this season — obtainable. The AFC East leaders have been capable of face up to these nagging points, transferring to 11-4 and qualifying for the playoffs for a second straight yr. However Waddle’s standing will clearly be price 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 choose 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 staff, it will be a shock if the Dolphins thought-about an IR transfer right here.