The Dolphins went into Foxboro on Sunday night and handed the Patriots a loss in prime time, but it may have come at the cost of one of their top offensive weapons.
Miami wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was evaluated for a concussion following the Dolphins' 24-17 win over the Pats. He was hit late in the fourth quarter and did not return.
Waddle has been an extremely effective player since Miami drafted him sixth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, forming one of the most dangerous receiving duos alongside Tyreek Hill. The Alabama product had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start his NFL career, leading the league in yards per reception last year with 18.1.
If Waddle were to be out for an extended period of time, it would be a big loss for the 2-0 Dolphins. Through the first two weeks of the season, the wide receiver has recorded eight catches on 11 targets for 164 yards.
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Here are the latest injury updates on the Dolphins wide receiver.
Jaylen Waddle injury update
Waddle was placed into concussion protocol on Monday following a collision with Patriots linebacker Marte Mapu.
"Jaylen is in the protocol," Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday. "He already started progressing in that process today."
The third-year pro was hurt with 4:42 left in the fourth quarter. During the Dolphins' second-to-last drive of the game, the wide receiver was hit helmet-to-helmet by Mapu.
As Waddle jumped up to try and catch the throw from QB Tua Tagovailoa, Mapu was closing in for the tackle. With Waddle falling to the ground, Mapu connected with the back of the Miami receiver's helmet with his own.
Update: #Dolphins placed WR Jaylen Waddle in the concussion protocol.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 18, 2023
He took this hit to the head during the #Patriots game.pic.twitter.com/NjLc9LQTW9https://t.co/dpgxjumpdG
Waddle left the game and would not return. It is currently unclear the extent of the injury and if Waddle will miss any time.
The Dolphins are set to host the Broncos in Miami in their Week 3 matchup.
