Mike McDaniel Downplays Concerns Over Jaylen Waddle’s Injury

McDaniel, seemingly unfazed by the situation, has assured fans and media alike that there is no cause for concern regarding the pair’s readiness for the start of the season. In their absence, other team members have had the opportunity to step in and gain valuable practice time.

In the interim, the Dolphins have adjusted by signing wide receiver Mike Harley Jr. This move appears to be a strategic response to not only the temporary gaps left by Waddle and Berrios but also the overall health of the WR squad. With increased chances to prove himself, Anthony Schwartz, considered a long shot for the final roster, is now taking significant reps both in returns and within the offense.

The primary receiving duties, in the meantime, are falling to River Cracraft and Willie Snead, both of whom are expected to receive a majority of the plays during the upcoming game. Coach McDaniel’s strategy during preseason typically emphasizes the development of younger talent, meaning veterans like Berrios might only see limited action even if healthy.

While the coach downplays the severity of the injuries, the nature of the “minor stuff” keeping Waddle and Berrios out of practice does raise some eyebrows. Particularly for a player like Waddle, whose game-breaking speed is critical, any lingering issues could pose risks to the Dolphins’ offensive capability.

As the team moves forward, the focus is on ensuring that Waddle and Berrios are at full strength for Week 1 of the regular season. In the immediate future, expect Harley, along with Cracraft and Snead, to see increased action as they fill the temporary void during this week’s preseason activities and possibly further into training if Waddle and Berrios’ return to the field is delayed.