Jaylen Waddle could be on his way back from a concussion that kept him out of the Miami Dolphins’ historic victory over the Denver Broncos.
The team’s offense scored 70 points without Waddle, so it’s scary to think of their ceiling with the wide receiver, as it’s looking like he’ll be able to return to the lineup this weekend against the Buffalo Bills.
“Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle will fully practice today, per HC Mike McDaniel,” tweeted NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe. “If all goes well, Waddle will clear the concussion protocol and be set to return Sunday vs. Bills.”
Alas, that’s promising on Waddle, as the Dolphins would love to have him back this weekend. Miami and the Bills could be competing for the AFC East when it’s all said and done, and Week 4’s game will be a huge one.
Moreover, the Dolphins star receiver was injured with just under five minutes remaining in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Waddle rose up for a difficult catch and was hit in the head by rookie safety Marte Mapu. A flag was thrown on the play for unnecessary roughness.
Afterwards, the former Alabama standout was able to walk off of the field on his own, but he was immediately taken to the blue medical tent. In the action he’s taken apart in this season, Waddle has tallied eight receptions for 164 yards. After last season, expectations are sky-high for the receiver.
In 2022, Waddle led the NFL in yards per reception, averaging 18.1 yards per catch. He caught 75 passes for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns. Waddle enjoyed an incredible rookie season in 2021, as well. He set the NFL record for the most receptions by a rookie with 104. He also reeled in 1,015 receiving yards and six touchdown catches.
More on Jaylen Waddle, connection with Tua Tagovailoa
Continuing, Jaylen Waddle’s success is largely due to his connection with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The pair played together at Alabama before tearing up NFL defenses. Earlier this year, Waddle explained what makes Tagovailoa so special.
“His ball placement,” Waddle told to KPRC, a hometown TV station. “I think everybody sees it, knowing exactly where to put the ball where his receivers can not just catch it, but catch it and run with it. So that’s what makes Tua Tua.
“Tua’s a great guy,” Waddle continued. “We’ve got years in with us playing together, so it’s always good being familiar with your quarterback, from the college game to the NFL game. It’s like riding a bike, getting back playing with him. It’s fun. You don’t have to learn quarterback tendencies when you’ve already played with him.”
Waddle isn’t the only one who benefits from the relationship. Last fall, Tagovailoa led the NFL in passer rating with a grade of 105.5, coming in just ahead of Patrick Mahomes‘ 105.2. In doing so, he became the first Dolphins quarterback to lead the NFL in the category since Dan Marino did so in 1984.
Hopefully for Tua and Dolphins fans alike, Jaylen Waddle will quickly recover from his concussion, and be out on the field in Week 4.
On3’s Nick Geddes and Suzanne Haliburton also contributed to this article.
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