The Miami Dolphins reportedly are dealing with varying statuses for three key injured players heading toward their Week 3 game against the Denver Broncos.
Waddle remains in concussion protocol and won't practice today. Nothing definitive yet on Jaelan Phillips, who is "progressing," per McDaniel. Armstead will practice today and have "uptick" tomorrow when pads are on.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) September 20, 2023
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle did not practice Wednesday as he remains in NFL concussion protocol, and pass rusher Jaelan Phillips has no definitive prognosis as he recovers from a back injury. In addition, offensive tackle Terron Armstead was back at practice with the intention that he do even more work with pads on Thursday as he works his way back from multiple injuries.
Phillips, who was injured in practice last week, and Armstead, who was injured during training camp, did not play against the New England Patriots in Week 2. Waddle was injured on an illegal hit in the fourth quarter of the Dolphins’ 24-17 victory that pushed them to 2-0.
Armstead’s return from injuries to his back, ankle and knee would be a big boost to the already successful Miami offense, which leads the NFL in yards per game at a whopping average of 462.5 yards per contest that is well ahead of the second-ranked Los Angeles Rams at 406.0 yards per outing.
Waddle has contributed eight catches and 164 receiving yards to that attack, second on the team behind Tyreek Hill, who has 16 receptions for 255 receiving yards. The 24-year-old’s absence likely would create an uptick in targets for wide receivers Braxton Berrios and River Cracraft and tight end Durham Smythe.
The Dolphins defense rebounded against the Patriots after holding off the Los Angeles Chargers in a 36-34 season-opening win. Miami allowed 288 total yards against New England and only 88 rushing yards after giving up 233 on the ground to Los Angeles.
Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was the Broncos’ head coach for three seasons from 2019 through 2021. Denver has started this season 0-2 under new head coach Sean Payton, losing both games at home to the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders by a combined three points.
The Dolphins, who are in first place in the AFC East, will play their first home game of the season on Sunday and are trying to start 3-0 for a second straight season. Having Waddle, Phillips and Armstead available should be helpful to that cause.
