Is Jaylen Waddle Playing in Week 1 vs. Jaguars? Latest News and Injury Update on the Dolphins’ WR

After missing all three preseason games because of undisclosed injuries, the status of Miami Dolphins‘ wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for the opening game of the season is certainly getting plenty of attention.

Here is an update on Waddle’s injury and his outlook for Week 1.

Jaylen Waddle Injury Update

Waddle’s training camp and preseason have been dominated by injuries that kept him on the sidelines for all of the Dolphins’ preseason games. Although the injuries have not been disclosed, they were enough for Waddle to wear a non-contact jersey during the final week of training camp last week.

Fortunately for the Dolphins, Waddle returned to practice this week, which is an indication he should be good to go for Sunday’s matchup at home vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also practiced without the red non-contact jersey, adding more positive news to hopes that Waddle will be ready for Week 1.

Waddle could use some good news on the injury front after the way his 2023 season ended. A sprained ankle kept Waddle out of the final two regular season games, both losses, including one to the Buffalo Bills in Week 18 that kept Miami from winning the AFC East outright.

Waddle’s Fantasy Outlook for Week 1

Although Waddle had a good season in 2023, many would label last season as a “down year” when compared to his performance in 2022. Although Waddle did average more receptions per game (5.1) than in 2022 (4.4), his receiving yards per game (72.4) were down from the previous season (79.8).

This was due to the fact that Waddle’s yards per reception last season (14.1) was down significantly from his league-best 18.1 average in 2022. In addition, Waddle had only four touchdown catches in 2023, half of what his total was the previous season (eight).

For Week 1, Pro Football Network’s Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer projects Waddle to finish with five receptions, 71 receiving yards, and 14.9 fantasy points.

KEEP READING: PFN’s Consensus Fantasy Football Rankings

The Dolphins would certainly welcome Waddle’s presence in the lineup. Their opponent this week — the Jaguars — ranked 26th in pass defense last season, allowing 239.8 passing yards per game.

And if he plays, expect Waddle to get his fair share of touches. Last season, Miami was 7-1 in games in which Waddle was targeted eight or more times. When Waddle had fewer than eight targets in a game, the Dolphins were just 3-4, including the playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, Waddle’s production will be worth monitoring for fantasy managers. Last season was the worst of his career in terms of fantasy scoring — 14.2 fantasy points per game (PPG) — and continued a downward trend. As a rookie, Waddle averaged 15.4 fantasy PPG, but in 2022 that average declined to 15.2.