Miami Dolphins’ wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been sidelined for the preseason games against the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders due to a persistent injury from training camp. Although Waddle returned to practice on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he refrained from participating in full-team drills.
Discussing his health, Waddle mentioned, “It’s something minor, but it needs to be respected. I’m just glad to be back on the field with my teammates.” He implied that while the injury is manageable, careful attention is still necessary. Waddle is eager to resume full participation and expressed confidence in his readiness for the regular season, stating, “I’m always ready to go, though sometimes the team has to hold me back for my own good.”
Regarding the upcoming final preseason game against the Buccaneers on Friday, Waddle is keen to play but awaits the team’s decision. He did not appear in any preseason games last year, where he noted the primary benefit of preseason play is acclimating to live tackles, something distinctly different from practice scenarios.
Last season saw Waddle experiencing several injuries which affected his playtime. He emphasized the difficulty of dealing with recurring minor injuries but acknowledged it as part of the game. Waddle utilized his time during recovery to gain insights from the sidelines, enhancing his understanding of the game and team dynamics, which he could apply upon returning to play.
Overall, Waddle is navigating his preseason with caution, balancing his eagerness to play with the necessity to maintain his health for the long-term benefit of both himself and the team.
