The Miami Dolphins are preparing for a primetime test against the Buffalo Bills, but one of their most dynamic offensive weapons enters the matchup with lingering questions about his health.͏
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is listed on the injury report, raising uncertainty just before the spotlight hits on Thursday night.
Waddle’s health and impact heading into Buffalo
According to the Dolphins’ official injury report, Waddle was a limited participant in practice this week with a shoulder issue. Importantly,͏ he does not currently carry a game status designation, suggesting his availability for Thursday’s kick-off remains promising.
#Dolphins TE Darren Waller, once again, has been ruled out with a hip injury. WR Jaylen Waddle is questionable with a shoulder injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2025
However, his situation bears monitoring given the importance of this divisional clash. Two͏ other pass catchers, Malik Washington (thumb), has been cleared to play, while Darr͏en͏ Waller (hip) is officially out. This underscores the challenge the Dolphins’ offense faces ͏in ͏keeping weapons healthy.
Through two games in͏ 20͏25, W͏addle͏ has posted nine receptions for 98 yards and one͏ touchdown. ͏That production averages out to ͏49 yards per ͏game on ͏11 targets, making ͏him one of the͏ most reliable options for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
His game ͏log shows steady involvement: four͏ catches for 3͏0 yards in Week 1 against the Colts and five receptions for ͏68 yards plus ͏a ͏score ͏in Week͏ 2͏ ͏versus the͏ ͏Patriots.
The ͏timing of this͏ injury ͏update is significant, as the Dolphins are set to͏ play their first standalone primetime game of the season. Waddle acknowledged the stakes but maintained a confident tone. “We’re just trying to play the best ball that we can,” he said. “Go out ͏there and compete at a high level, do ͏our jobs and get ͏a ͏win͏.”͏
The Dolphins’ trip to Buffalo comes with historical baggage. The Bills have dominated the rivalry recently, winning 15 of the last 17 meetings, including postseason contests. The Dolphins’ last victory over the Bills came back in September 2022 in South Florida.
Their last win in Buffalo was even further removed, dating all the way to 2016 under then-coach Adam Gase. For Waddle, who was still in high school at the time, a win in Western New York remains elusive.
Even at 0-2, Waddle downplayed the pressure on the team. He described the Dolphins’ early struggles as “definitely correctable” and chalked them up to self-inflicted mistakes. “Definitely something that was self-inflicted that we can go out there, prepare for, and don’t have it happen again,” Waddle explained.
With a national audience tuned in, Waddle expressed the sense of excitement within the locker room. “If you’re not excited about playing on primetime, you really shouldn’t be in this sport,” he said. “We’re going to be the only game on TV going into the week. This is what the game is all about, yeah it should be fun.”0
As the Dolphins head into a critical Week 3 matchup, Waddle’s presence could be vital in their attempt to snap years of frustration against the Bills.
