Jaylen Waddle looks to overcome injury in pivotal matchup against Bills
Jaylen Waddle stands as a crucial figure in the Miami Dolphins’ strategy as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football, marking the start of Week 3. The question looming over the matchup is whether Waddle can shake off a shoulder injury that has cast uncertainty on his availability.
Injury Status
Waddle is officially listed as questionable heading into the game due to the shoulder injury he sustained in Week 1. Despite the discomfort, he managed to play through the pain in Week 2, contributing to the team’s performance. This week, however, he has been a limited participant in practice, which led to his questionable designation.
Expectations for Thursday Night Football
Despite the injury concerns, optimism surrounds Waddle’s participation. Miami Herald columnist Omar Kelly expressed confidence on social media, stating, “I’d bet money Jaylen Waddle is playing.” This sentiment suggests that, barring any unforeseen setbacks, fans can expect to see Waddle on the field. His presence would undoubtedly be a boost for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, as they look to maintain cohesion among their offensive playmakers.
Fantasy Football Considerations
For fantasy football enthusiasts, Waddle’s current status presents a nuanced dilemma. His performance over the first two games yields an average of 4.5 receptions and 49 receiving yards per game. While the sample size is small, these numbers do not scream star potential. Consequently, Waddle may be viewed as a FLEX-level player, particularly in leagues that utilize three wide receiver slots.
If you decide to keep Waddle in your lineup, consider placing him in a WR spot to maintain flexibility in case you need to swap out your FLEX position for a more viable option.
As the Dolphins gear up for this critical contest against their division rivals, all eyes will be on Waddle’s ability to contribute and the impact it could have on Miami’s offensive scheme.
