Dolphins star Waddle enters concussion protocol in blow to Miami offense
The Dolphins are 2-0, but not all the news is positive coming out of Miami.
Star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle on Monday entered concussion protocol after he suffered a big hit in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s win over the New England Patriots. Waddle took a high hit across the middle with less than five minutes to go in regulation, which put the 24-year-old into the protocol to begin the week — and leaving his Week 3 status uncertain for the time being.
The hit that sent Waddle to the locker room
On a 2nd and 5 from the Miami 30 yard-line, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw a pass to the 45 intended for Waddle. The receiver leapt into the air to try to haul in the Tagovailoa throw, but it fell incomplete — and a helmet-to-helmet collision Patriots linebacker Marte Mapu sent Waddle to the locker room.
Mapu was penalized for the hit, and even with Waddle gone for the game, the Dolphins held off the New England rally and beat the Patriots 24-17.
Waddle “already progressing”
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on Monday not only confirmed that Waddle was into the protocol, but he further stated that Waddle is progressing through the NFL guidelines — a positive development as Miami begins preparations to host the Denver Broncos in Week 3.
The Dolphins are seeking a second consecutive 3-0 start behind an explosive offense and a solid defense. Waddle’s final status will be revealed at some point later in the week, and fans should rightly be concerned about Miami has handled concussions in the past — most notably with Tagovailoa last year. But that said, the early signs on Waddle seem to be trending in a good direction.
