Analysis

Waddle successfully returned from a knee injury Sunday that cost him two weeks of game action. The star wideout had mixed results, catching just 44 percent of his targets for 44 yards. The lack of efficiency can be explained by possibly playing at less than 100 percent, in addition to the poor quarterback play of backup Tyler Huntley with Tua Tagovailoa (hip) sitting this one out. Waddle posted the worst receiving line of his professional career in 2024, finishing with 58 receptions for 744 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games played. With news of Tyreek Hill wanting out of Miami following Sunday's ugly defeat, Waddle could be in store for a huge jump in usage in 2025 if that scenario plays out.

Analysis

Waddle, who missed Miami's last two games, practiced fully Friday before approaching Week 18 action listed as questionable. In his return to action, Waddle will combine with Tyreek Hill to give QB Tyler Huntley (starting once again in place of Tua Tagovailoa/hip) a pair of quality wideout options in Miami's must-win regular-season finale. In 14 games thus far, Waddle has put up a 54/700/2 receiving line on 74 targets.

Analysis

McDaniel's optimism is supported by Waddle practicing without limitations Friday. Waddle's looking to return from a two-game absence for a Dolphins team that can sneak into the playoffs with a win and a Broncos loss to the Chiefs. If Waddle suits up, he'll likely be catching passes from backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, as Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is considered doubtful.

Analysis

Per Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post, Waddle, who has missed two straight games, appeared to be moving pretty well at practice Thursday. However, Waddle probably will need to practice fully Friday -- as fellow WR Tyreek Hill (wrist/rest) did Thursday -- in order to approach Sunday's must-win regular-season finale against the Jets without an injury designation.

Analysis

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism Monday about Waddle's chances of returning from a two-game absence for the regular-season finale Sunday against the Jets. Malik Washington has filled in capably the past two weeks while topping 80 percent snap shares in consecutive games, but it would still be a huge boost for the Dolphins to get Waddle back in the lineup as they fight for a wild-card spot on the final day of the season. Waddle previously managed limited practice participation Thursday and Friday last week before being listed as questionable and ultimately made inactive ahead of last Sunday's 20-3 win over the Browns.

Analysis

Waddle didn't play in a win over Cleveland this past Sunday, as McDaniel said the team was worried about the wideout's risk of aggravating the knee issue. However, Waddle did log a pair of limited practices to end the week and appears to have a real chance of returning for the Dolphins' regular-season finale in a game they must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Tyler Huntley could be the team's starting quarterback for a second straight week with Tua Tagovailoa still dealing with a hip injury.

Analysis

After being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, Waddle logged limited sessions both Thursday and Friday before being deemed questionable for Sunday's contest. With Waddle, who was also inactive last weekend, still sidelined, Tyreek Hill and Malik Washington are slated to lead a Week 17 Miami wideout corps that also includes River Cracraft and Dee Eskridge. Waddle's next chance to return to action will arrive next weekend against the Jets.

Analysis

Per Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site, the team had some optimism about Waddle being able to suit up against the Browns after he was a limited participant in practices Thursday and Friday, but Rapoport's report suggests the wideout is expected to miss a second straight contest. If Waddle does sit out, it will be a big blow to a Miami passing attack that will also likely be without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is doubtful due to a hip injury. Meanwhile, Rapoport notes that No. 1 receiver Tyreek Hill is expected to play despite a lingering wrist injury, and Hill could be peppered with plenty of targets while joined by wideout Malik Washington and tight end Jonnu Smith as the top options for presumed fill-in quarterback Tyler Huntley.

Analysis

With regard to Waddle, who was inactive for Week 16 action, head coach Mike McDaniel noted earlier Friday that he's optimistic about the wideout's availability this weekend, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports. In addition to Waddle, fellow starting WR Tyreek Hill (wrist/rest) also carries a questionable designation, with the duo's Week 17 status thus set to be confirmed once Miami's inactives are posted ahead of Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET contest.