Is Jaylen Waddle playing today? Dolphins WR's status revealed for Week 16 vs. 49ers
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle exited the field after suffering a knee injury in the second quarter of last Sunday's game against the Houston Texans and did not return.
During the week, Waddle was unable to practice due to the injury, and on Friday, Miami tagged him with an injury designation on their final injury report.
The Dolphins may be shorthanded at wide receiver if Waddle and Tyreek Hill, who was also designated on Friday, are unable to play in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Exploring Jaylen Waddle's availability status for Week 16
Jaylen Waddle is not expected to play against the San Francisco 49ers after the Miami Dolphins gave him a doubtful designation on Friday. Although he is not officially out, the tag indicates that he is unlikely to be available.
Malik Washington and Tyreek Hill, who is also battling a wrist issue, would be expected to play a larger part in the Dolphins' passing offense if Waddle is unable to play.
With Waddle leaving the game early, tight end Jonnu Smith led the offense with nine catches and one touchdown, while Washington recorded 52 receiving yards from five catches.
Additionally, the Dolphins listed wideout D'Wayne Eskridge (knee) as doubtful and ruled out long snapper Blake Ferguson (non-football illness) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (knee). Linebacker Cameron Goode (knee), right tackle Kendall Lamm (back) and left tackle Terron Armstead (knee) were listed as questionable.
How has Jaylen Waddle performed this season?
Jaylen Waddle started his NFL career with three consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards or more, averaging more than five receptions and 72 receiving yards per game. By his standards, this season has been a quiet one for him.
The former first round pick has caught 54 passes for 700 yards and two TDs in 14 appearances. With just three games remaining, it is unlikely that he will surpass the 1,000-yard mark.
Waddle has only caught seven or more passes on three occasions this season, with one coming against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season opener.