The Miami Dolphins’ season has certainly not gotten off to the start they hoped. After finishing the 2024 season 8-9, following multiple injuries to key players, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, they weren’t able to recover.
However, the current season hasn’t been kind to them either, and they are currently 1-6, just hoping to salvage what’s left of the season. Once again, injuries are a factor as their top wide receiver, Tyreek Hill, is out for the season with a significant knee injury. Now, to make matters worse, their de facto WR1, Jaylen Waddle, is dealing with an injury of his own.
What Is the Status for Dolphins Jaylen Waddle Headed Into Week 8?
After practice on Thursday, Waddle unexpectedly popped up on the team’s injury report. Waddle was not listed on Wednesday’s report, prompting immediate concern among fans.
The former Alabama standout was listed as a limited participant with what was designated as “rest/hamstring,” according to ESPN reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques.
Per Louis-Jacques’ post on X, “Jaylen Waddle (hamstrings/rest) downgraded to a limited participant.”
Dolphins-Falcons injury report for Thursday
Jaylen Waddle (hamstrings/rest) downgraded to a limited participant pic.twitter.com/PNounBSHVp
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) October 23, 2025
The tricky thing about a mid-week addition like this is that “rest” could mean that a veteran player is just having his workload managed by the coaches. Veterans are often given days off from practice.
However, the mention of both hamstrings is more concerning. It’s clear that both hamstrings are impacted, because just above Waddle on the injury report is cornerback Jaaon Marshall Jr., who was limited with a single hamstring.
It’s hard to know whether the fact that both legs are listed is just a result of fatigue or an indicator of something more significant, like a strain.
There have been reports that Waddle was simply taking a precautionary rest day. This gives fans hope that he will return for the Week 8 game against the Atlanta Falcons, scheduled for Sunday.
The Dolphins are wise not to push him too hard if there are concerns because their WR depth is seriously compromised after Hill’s season-ending injury.
Friday’s practice report is always the one that is most important. If Waddle is able to participate in practice, it is a good sign that he will play on Sunday. However, if he is downgraded to DNP, it would indicate this was more than a day of rest.
The sixth overall pick in 2021, Waddle started his pro career with three 1,000+ yard seasons. Statistically, it appears Waddle has had a drop in effectiveness over the past two seasons, but numerous factors played into his declining numbers. That includes poor offensive line play, multiple injuries, and the way in which Tagovailoa targets his receivers.
According to PFSN’s Wide Receiver Impact metric, Waddle is ranked 16th in the entire NFL with a grade of B. In seven games, he has been targeted 44 times, with 30 receptions for 405 yards and three touchdowns.
The Dolphins desperately need Waddle to be able to play if they want to have a chance to right the ship on their floundering season.
