The odds that Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle plays Sunday against the Denver Broncos are dwindling by the day.
Waddle on Thursday missed his second straight practice due to a concussion, meaning he needs to show marked improvement over the coming 24 to 48 hours to be available for the Dolphins’ home opener.
Miami Dolphins Practice Report
Waddle was one of two key Dolphins offensive players not to participate in Thursday’s practice, per reporters present.
Dolphins CB Xavien Howard returned to practice after getting vet rest on Wed.
Didn’t see WR Jaylen Waddle (concussion) or RB Salvon Ahmed (groin).
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 21, 2023
The other was RB2 Salvon Ahmed (groin).
Given the calendar and the Dolphins’ philosophy of erring on the side of caution when it comes to activating injured players on game days, the smart money is on both Waddle and Ahmed missing Week 3.
If Ahmed cannot go, expect an increased workload for De’Von Achane, the rookie who had one carry for five yards in his NFL debut.
“I thought he did well with his opportunities,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said of Achane this week.
“You can tell that the game is not too big for him. The biggest challenge is absorbing the entirety of the game plan, which I think he’s made vast improvements upon really since the spring and through training camp. I think fortunately for the team, he’s prepared for the further opportunities that he’ll be given moving forward.”
As for the Waddle injury, expect the Dolphins to use a by-committee approach with his targets.
MORE: Miami Dolphins News — Jason Sanders Gets Vote of Confidence After Latest Miss
Braxton Berrios, Erik Ezukanma, and River Cracraft have all contributed in the Dolphins’ first two games.
“We’ve been rotating guys, and it’s been allowing others to get reps with the ones, with the twos, with other guys,” Tua Tagovailoa said Wednesday.
“And it also helps with the timing of that. You know where this guy is going to be at what point. Guys when their routes a little different, so being able to throw to a couple of the other guys out there today, working on timing, it’s been good.”
One additional Dolphins participation update: Cornerback Xavien Howard was back Thursday after getting a rest day on Wednesday.
Denver Broncos vs. Miami Dolphins Injury Report
Broncos
Did Not Practice
- OLB Frank Clark (hip)
- DT Mike Purcell (ankle)
- S Justin Simmons (hip)
Limited
None
Full
- OT Garrett Bolles (ankle)
Dolphins
Did Not Practice
- RB Salvon Ahmed (groin)
- WR Jaylen Waddle (concussion)
Limited
- OT Terron Armstead (back/ankle/knee)
- DB Elijah Campbell (knee)
- DT Raekwon Davis (wrist)
- TE Julian Hill (ankle)
- TE Tyler Kroft (back)
- LB Jaelan Phillips (back)
Full
- WR Tyreek Hill (ankle)
- LB Andrew Van Ginkel (ankle)
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