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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle entered 2022 with high expectations. That's no surprise, considering Waddle set a new rookie record with 104 receptions last season.
The Alabama product has continued his strong play in his second professional campaign. He has scored at least 15 PPR points in all three weeks, including an 11-catch, 171-yard explosion in Week 2 that also featured two touchdowns. The young wideout now finds himself on the injury report with a groin injury, however.
Fantasy managers are now facing a difficult decision about what to do with Waddle in advance of Miami's Thursday night showdown with Cincinnati. Should they be worried about his availability, or is there nothing concerning about Waddle's status?
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Jaylen Waddle Injury News
Jaylen Waddle played until the end of the Dolphins' matchup with the Bills in Week 3. Waddle finished the contest with four receptions for 102 yards. Despite the solid performance, it turns out that he sustained a groin injury during the game. On Monday, he was listed on Miami's injury report and was listed as a non-participant in practice.
The Dolphins first practice report for the short week: pic.twitter.com/lz0s0NHrqH
— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) September 26, 2022
On Tuesday, Waddle's status was upgraded to "limited." It's important to note that on Monday the team did not practice, and on Tuesday they just held a walkthrough. Thus, these injury reports are estimations of what Waddle's practice status would have been on those days.
Here’s your Tuesday Dolphins-Bengals practice report pic.twitter.com/wQr9Ycutvw
— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) September 28, 2022
On Wednesday, Waddle was officially listed as questionable for Thursday Night Football.
#Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (back/ankle), WR Jaylen Waddle (groin), CB Xavien Howard (groin/glute) and LT Terron Armstead (toe) are all officially listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the #Bengals.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 28, 2022
Is Jaylen Waddle Injured or Playing in Week 4?
The fact that the injury was not enough to keep Waddle from remaining in last weekend's game is a positive indicator of his ability to play against Cincinnati. It is for this reason that Waddle appears more likely than not to be able to suit up.
Indeed, per Tom Pelissero, Waddle is expected to play in Thursday's matchup.
#Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa — listed as questionable with back and ankle issues — is expected to play tonight against the #Bengals, barring a setback, per sources.
WR Jaylen Waddle (groin) and LT Terron Armstead (toe) should be good to go, too.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 29, 2022
In any case, fantasy managers will have ample opportunities to account for a Waddle absence. Because the game is on Thursday, managers will have the entirety of their roster at their disposal. They would also have a chance to acquire anyone on the waiver wire to fill in, if necessary. This situation is less frightening for fantasy purposes than it would have been if Miami's game were on Sunday.
Assuming Waddle plays, he will face a difficult matchup. Cincinnati has yielded the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Waddle would remain a must-start option given his incredible talent, but this is something to be mindful of.
Highest-graded WR vs single coverage this season:
Jaylen Waddle - 94.9 🐧 pic.twitter.com/2lnZkxCiZw
— PFF (@PFF) September 27, 2022
Fantasy managers with Waddle rostered should not be overly concerned. However, for those who want to explore backup plans, check out the RotoBaller Week 4 Waiver Wire Rankings.
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