The Miami Dolphins are entering an all-important matchup with the division-rival Buffalo Bills in Week 18. The AFC East is on the line, as is the opportunity to secure home-field advantage for the first two rounds (and potentially more) of the playoffs.
With so much at stake, the ‘Phins need as many hands on deck as the injury report will allow, and, according to head coach Mike McDaniel, two of the team’s top offensive playmakers — WR Jaylen Waddle (ankle) and RB Raheem Mostert (ankle) — still have a chance to play.
Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert Not Yet Ruled Out for Week 18
“[Waddle and Mostert] are going to get a little work in today,” McDaniel told reporters on Friday. Both players had been designated as non-participants for practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
“We’ll make a determination that’s very tricky, but I wouldn’t close the door because they haven’t. We’ll see what today presents. It’s one of those things that you guys are used to, and so are we,” the head coach continued, referring to the rash of injuries and injury-related uncertainties that the Dolphins have faced this season.
Waddle suffered an ankle injury during Miami’s Week 16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys and was unable to suit up in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens. McDaniel has hinted that the third-year pass catcher could return sooner rather than later despite suffering a high-ankle sprain.
Prior to his injury, Waddle had been making strides following a slower-than-usual start to the season.
He secured his third-straight 1,000-yard campaign and filled in admirably when fellow wideout Tyreek Hill was hampered by his own injury. On the season, Waddle has 1,014 yards and four scores through the air.
If Waddle is unable to go, expect a rotation of Braxton Berrios, Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Robbie Chosen to be the team’s primary replacements at WR.
MORE: ‘Times Change’ – Miami Dolphins Eager To End Buffalo Bills’ Stranglehold of AFC East
Mostert, who has been among the league’s best running backs this season and just secured his first Pro Bowl nod at 31 years old, is nursing an ankle injury of his own in addition to a knee issue that he’s managed for much of the season.
McDaniel had been optimistic about Mostert’s status prior to the team’s loss to Baltimore, but the veteran RB was ultimately unable to take the field.
Miami’s most productive running back since Jay Ajayi in 2016, Mostert has amassed 1,012 rushing yards at an efficient 4.8 yards per carry clip on top of a whopping 18 rushing scores this season. He has also added another 175 yards and three TDs on 25 receptions.
Behind Mostert, rookie De’Von Achane and veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. will be the team’s primary running backs if the Pro Bowl ball carrier is unable to play.
The team’s final injury report will reveal the official statuses for Waddle and Mostert when the team releases it on Friday afternoon.
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