The NFL season is underway, which means that, unfortunately, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 2 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Jaylen Waddle got banged up in last week’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. What is the latest on the Miami Dolphins’ WR2?
Jaylen Waddle Injury Update
Waddle was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice due to a shoulder injury he sustained during Week 1’s loss to Indianapolis. The injury occurred in the third quarter when Waddle caught a short pass over the middle from Tua Tagovailoa and was tackled, immediately grabbing his shoulder in discomfort.
The veteran receiver left the game briefly to be evaluated in the medical tent but was able to return to action on Miami’s next possession. Waddle completed the game, suggesting the injury was not overly serious and that he could play through whatever discomfort he was experiencing.
The limited Wednesday practice should be viewed as a positive sign for his Week 2 availability. Although we never like to see players on the injury report, Waddle would not have practiced at all if the issue were serious, especially on a Wednesday. NFL injury experts initially speculated the injury could be an AC joint sprain, but his ability to return and finish the game indicates it was likely a mild issue.
Jaylen Waddle #dolphins
Lands on his elbow which puts an anterior to posterior (front to back) force through his shoulder. Arm was hanging as he ran off the field and being supported by trainers. Possible subluxation or dislocation.
P.s my phone stinks forgive the shaky vid pic.twitter.com/rilGtp4E4l
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) September 7, 2025
Whether fantasy managers want to entrust Waddle or any non-De’Von Achane Dolphins in their lineup is an entirely different issue given Miami’s offensive struggles in Week 1. But at the very least, fantasy managers will have the option, as we should expect Waddle to play this week, barring any setbacks in Thursday or Friday’s practice sessions.
Waddle Fantasy Outlook
Week 1 in Indianapolis was a dumpster fire for the Dolphins and, to be honest, that feels disrespectful to dumpster fires.
Jaylen Waddle caught four of five targets, a level of efficiency that you’d expect with a 4.4-yard aDOT, but the shine appears to be off of this system, as he did well to pick up the 30 yards he did.
You could argue that this matchup is a get-right spot for Waddle and, in theory, I don’t hate the call. The Pats were the worst defense by passer rating on short passes, and that’s exactly how Waddle was utilized on Sunday. It’s also how he has burned them in the past:
Career Game Log vs. Patriots, Tua Tagovailoa Starts
Week 1, 2021: 4 catches on 5 targets for 61 yards, TD
Week 18, 2021: 5 catches on 7 targets for 27 yards, TD
Week 1, 2022: 4 catches on 5 targets for 69 yards, TD
Week 2, 2023: 4 catches on 6 targets for 86 yards
Week 8, 2023: 7 catches on 12 targets for 121 yards, TD
Week 12, 2024: 8 catches on 9 targets for 144 yards, TD
That was all “in theory.” In practice, I’m not sure I have the courage to act on any of that. If you want Miami exposure, try a contrarian DFS build, but in a season-long setting, this team as a whole (outside of De’Von Achane) is at the “prove it to me” level of concern, and I’m not sure one strong performance would be enough for me to go back to this offense with confidence.
— PFSN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe