Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is set to miss his first game of the season on Sunday. Fortunately, he seems to be progressing well, and there have reportedly been no setbacks in his recovery from the concussion he sustained last game.
Jaylen Waddle is out today vs. Broncos. I’m told he remains in latter stages of concussion protocol but progressing well and there’s been no setbacks.
A Waddle update on @nflnetwork @NFLGameDay including who to watch stepping up in his place today: pic.twitter.com/Y6Fc4Mjyqi
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 24, 2023
Waddle has displayed impressive durability in his NFL career so far. Since being drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft, he has sat out just one game. That took place in his rookie season during Miami’s Week 15 battle against the New York Jets. As some sort of consolation for the squad, the Dolphins won that contest 31-24.
In the 2022 campaign, the University of Alabama product participated in all 17 of the team’s regular season games, finishing with 75 receptions for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns.
He was targeted less in his sophomore season than the previous campaign, likely because of the arrival of star wideout Tyreek Hill. Even so, Waddle led the league in yards per reception at 18.1.
The 2023 season has seen the 24-year-old star continue his impressive performances by recording 20.5 yards per reception, even though he has yet to score a touchdown. Unfortunately, his first touchdown will have to wait for at least one more week. But if the report of his recovery is any indication, he could be set to take the field against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4.
But for Miami’s Week 3 contest versus the Broncos, the coaching staff will have to look elsewhere to provide Tua Tagovailoa with another target and Hill with a different running mate.
The Dolphins elevated Robbie Chosen to the active roster for the game, although it still remains to be seen who will take Waddle’s place in the starting lineup. Chosen has plenty of competition, as River Cracraft, Erik Ezukanma and Cedrick Wilson Jr. might also be vying for the spot.
Miami is off to a good start this season, winning its first two contests on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots. Last season, it won its first three games.
The Dolphins have a good chance to match that feat this year, as Denver is currently 0-2. A third consecutive victory would also solidify their place atop the AFC East.
