The Miami Dolphins return from their bye looking to build on their recent momentum and keep their playoff hopes alive. Jaylen Waddle appeared on Wednesday’s practice report with a foot injury. Should fantasy football managers be concerned about their reliable receiver’s availability?
Check out the FREE Start/Sit Optimizer from PFSN to ensure you are making the right decisions for your fantasy lineup every week!
Jaylen Waddle Injury Update
Waddle popped up on Wednesday’s practice report with a foot injury and was listed as limited. This represents the first time this season he has been designated with a foot issue, according to David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The timing is not ideal coming out of the bye week, when players typically have extra time to heal from lingering ailments.
The veteran receiver previously managed a shoulder injury in September and a hamstring issue in October earlier this season. Despite those various injuries throughout the campaign, Waddle has not missed a single game. He has suited up for all 11 of Miami’s regular season contests, compiling 49 receptions for 722 yards and five touchdowns on 73 targets.
The appearance of a new injury designation following the bye week clearly indicates Waddle is not fully healthy heading into the crucial stretch run. Players emerging from bye weeks are typically at their healthiest point of the season, making this development somewhat concerning.
However, it remains important to remember this is still a Wednesday practice. Wednesday practices are largely meaningless when it comes to evaluating a player’s actual availability for Sunday’s game. Teams frequently hold veteran players out or limit their participation on Wednesdays as a maintenance strategy, especially for those dealing with minor issues.
The key factor here is that Waddle did participate in practice, even in a limited capacity. He was not a complete non-participant, which would raise far more significant red flags about his status. Limited participation on Wednesday typically progresses to fuller involvement as the week continues for players dealing with minor ailments.
As long as Waddle is able to maintain at least limited activity during the Dolphins’ remaining two practices of Week 13, it will bode well for his chances of suiting up Sunday versus the Saints. Thursday’s practice report will provide much more clarity about the severity of the foot issue and whether it will impact his availability.
Given Waddle’s track record of playing through various injuries this season, there is no reason for concern at this stage. The 27-year-old has proven his toughness and willingness to suit up even when dealing with nagging issues. His ironman streak of 11 consecutive games played demonstrates his reliability and durability.
Head coach Mike McDaniel has not provided specific details about the nature of the foot injury or how it occurred. The lack of urgency in the team’s messaging suggests this is a minor issue being managed cautiously rather than a serious concern that threatens Waddle’s availability.
Fantasy managers should expect Waddle to play Sunday against New Orleans. The matchup against the Saints represents a favorable opportunity for Miami’s passing attack. New Orleans enters Week 13 with a dismal 2-9 record and has struggled defensively throughout the season.
Waddle’s Fantasy Outlook
Waddle has settled into the WR1 nicely and I see no reason to expect anything different in this plus-matchup.
The role has changed a bit (65.2% rise in aDOT this season when Tyreek Hill is off the field compared to when he was on it), but with at least seven targets in three straight, the volume and talent is something we can feel good about betting on.
RELATED: Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Weeks 8-11: Top 5 Qualified WRs, Yards Per Route
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 4.25
Drake London: 3.55
Puka Nacua: 3.55
Waddle: 3.17
George Pickens: 2.74
There’s no real competition for Waddle and that makes him a lineup staple, even if there are some efficiency concerns as defenses continue to focus on him. Waddle has a 30+ yard reception in three of his past four games and is blending upside with safe targets, something only a dozen receivers are doing at a similar level through three months.
— PFSN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe