The Miami Dolphins enter Week 3 desperate for their first win of the 2025 season, but they may have to do it without one of their most important offensive weapons. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is officially listed as questionable with a shoulder injury and will test the injury in pregame warmups before Thursday night’s AFC East clash against the Buffalo Bills, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
“There is optimism that Waddle will play against Buffalo,” Rapoport reported on Good Morning Football. “For tonight’s game…the urgency, for the Miami Dolphins, trying to get that first win. Trying to really show up. Obviously, last week it was the defense that was an issue. But it’s all easier if they have Jaylen Waddle out on the field. One of their two star receivers. Tyreek Hill is the other.”
Waddle, who injured his shoulder in the season-opening loss to Indianapolis, was a limited participant in practice on both Tuesday and Wednesday. His questionable tag may be tied more to the Dolphins’ short turnaround than a major setback, but his availability is still uncertain heading into kickoff.
Injury Concerns Pile Up for Miami
Support Our Fight To End Fall Weddings
Waddle isn’t the only player Miami is monitoring closely. Defensive tackle Benito Jones (oblique) and rookie linebacker Chop Robinson (knee) are also questionable. Meanwhile, cornerback Storm Duck (ankle), safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (calf), and newly acquired tight end Darren Waller (hip) have already been ruled out.
Waller, who has yet to make his debut with Miami, was expected to provide another reliable option for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the middle of the field. Without him, and potentially without Waddle, Miami’s offense could be heavily reliant on Hill to shoulder the receiving load.
Jaylen Waddle’s Fantasy Football Production and Mindset
Despite playing through pain, Waddle has remained a factor in Miami’s offense. Over the first two weeks, he has recorded nine receptions on 11 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown. Against New England in Week 2, he hauled in five passes for 68 yards and scored the Dolphins’ first touchdown of the game on an 18-yard connection from Tagovailoa.
Waddle, though, has downplayed any sense of panic following Miami’s 0-2 start. “We’re just trying to play the best ball that we can,” he said earlier this week. “Go out there and compete at a high level, do our jobs and get a win.”
He added that the team’s early issues are self-inflicted and fixable: “Definitely something that was self-inflicted that we can go out there, prepare for, and don’t have it happen again.”
Dolphins Face Tall Task Against Surging Bills
Miami’s margin for error is slim. The Bills, who enter Thursday night’s game 2-0, have looked sharp on both sides of the ball and will be eager to seize early control of the division. If Waddle can’t go, or is limited, the Dolphins’ offense could struggle to keep pace.
For a Miami team trying to avoid a third straight loss, Waddle’s pregame workout might be the most important moment of the night before the ball is even kicked.