Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle had to leave Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots due to being the victim of a late hit.
Jaylen Waddle is being evaluated for a concussion after this play 😬pic.twitter.com/IKeZA08BFH
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) September 18, 2023
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel offered an immediate update on Waddle after the game.
Mike McDaniel on Jaylen Waddle's condition: "I have no idea as of right now. I'll be able to update you guys tomorrow. All i know is he went for evaluation." #Dolphins @Dolphin_Nation @AhnFireDigital
— David Akerman (@akerman_david) September 18, 2023
Waddle was able to catch four of his six targets for 86 yards and had some nice plays.
Jump Ball Waddle is a cheat code 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wyFEUvxxTb
— Dolphin Nation (@Dolphin_Nation) September 18, 2023
Despite those solid numbers, he was unable to find the end zone. He now has eight catches for 164 yards and no touchdowns through two games this season.
The University of Alabama product likely isn’t too stressed about his numbers at the moment. After all, his team is now 2-0 and in sole possession of first place in the AFC East. The former first-round pick surely knows that he will eventually get some touchdowns of his own during the season.
In his two-plus seasons with the Dolphins, Waddle has become an integral part of the team’s offense. During his first two NFL seasons, he recorded 179 receptions for 2,371 yards and 14 touchdowns. He even set the rookie record for receptions in a season with 104 during the 2021 campaign.
Due to the addition of Tyreek Hill for the 2022 season, Waddle saw less targets and less receptions, but his yardage and touchdowns increased. He even led the league in yards per reception at 18.1.
According to teammates, Waddle was in good spirits after the game. That’s undoubtedly a positive sign for his condition moving forward. Dolphins fans are likely already waiting anxiously to hear from McDaniel on Monday.
In Week 3, the Dolphins will host the Denver Broncos in their home opener. Denver lost a heartbreaker at home on Sunday to the Washington Commanders, nearly forcing overtime after a miraculous Hail Mary pass from Russell Wilson in the final seconds resulted in a touchdown.
DENVER BRONCOS SCORE THE BALL WITH THIS TOUCHDOWN🤯 pic.twitter.com/paj8epzNqA
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) September 17, 2023
If Waddle is unable to play in that game, players like Braxton Berrios (two catches for 28 yards on Sunday), River Cracraft (two catches for 34 yards) and Erik Ezukanma (one target and five rushing yards) will need to step up.
Waddle has only missed one regular season game in his career. He’s surely hoping he won’t miss his second in Week 3.
