Report: Jaylen Waddle returns to Miami Dolphins practice ahead of pivotal Week 1 matchup

The Miami Dolphins are preparing for their Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots, and they’re going to need all hands on deck if they want to make a statement with a win to start the season.

In a positive development, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is back at practice for Miami.

Waddle is back after missing time this preseason due to a lower-body injury.

After a strong rookie season, the youngster is looking to take another step forward in the 2022 campaign. Last season, Waddle racked up 104 receptions for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed for a score.

The 23-year-old is likely thrilled to take the field with new Dolphins weapon Tyreek Hill in the team’s season opener. There are some pretty high expectations for what the duo will accomplish, and with any luck, the players will live up to the hype.

Meanwhile, new Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel certainly won over fans throughout the offseason with his personality, but with the regular season virtually here, it’s time for the 39-year-old to show folks what he’s really about as a head coach.

He’s going to have his hands full trying to keep up with legendary head coach Bill Belichick in Week 1, but it seems like there’s plenty of confidence within Miami’s locker room when it comes to McDaniel.

The Dolphins have a tough slate to begin the season. After facing the Patriots in Week 1, they’ll have to deal with the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals in the following weeks.

That portion of Miami’s schedule should offer a solid indication of just how much the team has improved compared to last season. Of course, the Dolphins came up just short of a playoff bid in the 2021 campaign, which was also the case in the 2020 season.

The expectation is that this season will be different, and in a few short days, the Dolphins and Patriots will be underway in the season opener for both squads. By this time next week, Miami could be 1-0.