Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided injury updates on a few key players following the team’s Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle remains in concussion protocol, but the team is encouraged by the progress he is making. Waddle did not play in the Dolphins’ 70-20 win in Week 3 because of the concussion.
Pass rusher Jaelan Phillips is dealing with an oblique injury, but according to McDaniel, he is doing better than he was yesterday.
After missing Week 2 with an injury, Phillips played against Denver in Week 3 and had one tackle in 29 defensive snaps. He played just 47 percent of the defensive snaps for Miami in Week 3.
Williams – like Phillips – is also considered day-to-day with a groin injury.
Waddle in protocol, but team optimistic about how progressing. Jaelan Phillips (oblique) is day to day; "doing better than yesterday," per McDaniel. Connor Williams (groin) is "in same boat as Jaelan. We're acquiring more information. Day to day."
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) September 25, 2023
It’s not the most glowing injury report for the Dolphins, but it doesn’t appear like any of the players are dealing with long-term injuries.
Miami has a big game coming up in Week 4, as the team takes on the Buffalo Bills – an AFC East division rival. Miami is atop the AFC East standings after moving to 3-0 with Sunday’s win over Denver.
Despite not having Waddle in the lineup, the Dolphins were still clicking on all cylinders on offense in Week 3.
The team came just a field goal shy of setting the all-time record for most points in a single game, and running backs Raheem Mostert (four touchdowns) and De’Von Achane (203 rushing yards, four total touchdowns) both helped pick up the slack offensively.
The biggest injury for the Dolphins may be Phillips, especially since he missed Week 2 already this season.
Phillips has been one of the Dolphins’ best pass rushers over his first two seasons in the NFL, tallying 15.5 sacks. He started 15 of his 17 games in the 2022 campaign, cementing himself as a key cog in Miami’s defense.
Miami could certainly use his ability to pressure the quarterback against Josh Allen and the Bills in Week 4.
The Dolphins are off to a great start this season and could be legitimate contenders to win the Super Bowl if they stay healthy.
For now, it seems like McDaniel and the Dolphins are just taking it day by day with these three key players. There is still plenty of time for them to get in a position to play in Week 4 this coming weekend.
