Jaylen Waddle took a significant step toward playing for the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
The wide receiver was limited in Wednesday’s practice with an oblique injury. However, he appeared on Thursday’s official injury report as a full practice participant.
That’s a good sign for his availability when the Dolphins play the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday.
Jaylen Waddle (oblique) practiced in full a day after being limited. #MiamiDolphins
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) September 7, 2023
Waddle quickly burst on the scene with 104 catches for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie. While his receptions dwindled to 75 last year, the speedster made them count.
Unleashed in Mike McDaniels’ high-octane offense, Waddle averaged an NFL-leading 18.1 yards per catch. He garnered 20 yards or more on 21 plays, sixth behind a star-studded group including teammate Tyreek Hill.
The former Alabama star also tallied the league’s 10th-most yards after catch (510).
However, Waddle had one of his quietest games of the 2022 campaign when securing two of four targets for 31 yards in a 23-17 loss to the Chargers. An offense that excelled at manufacturing explosive plays mustered just 219 total yards at SoFi Stadium.
Assuming he’s cleared to play, Waddle will seek a better outcome in Sunday’s rematch at Los Angeles. Sunday’s season-opening contest kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET.