Report: Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle in concussion protocol
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered a head injury during the Dolphins’ 24-17 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday evening. On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided a simple, but concerning update.
“Dolphins’ WR Jaylen Waddle is in concussion protocol,” Schefter wrote on Twitter.
Waddle was injured with just under five minutes remaining in the game on Sunday. The third-year wide receiver rose up for a difficult catch and was hit in the head by rookie safety Marte Mapu. A flag was thrown on the play for unnecessary roughness.
The former Alabama standout was able to walk off of the field on his own, but he was immediately taken to the blue medical tent. In two games this season, Waddle has tallied eight receptions for 164 yards. After last season, expectations are high for Waddle.
In 2022, Waddle led the NFL in yards per reception, averaging 18.1 yards per catch. He caught 75 passes for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns. Waddle enjoyed an incredible rookie season in 2021, as well. He set the NFL record for the most receptions by a rookie with 104. He also reeled in 1,015 receiving yards and six touchdown catches.
Jaylen Waddle’s connection with Tua Tagovailoa
Waddle’s success is largely due to his connection with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The pair played together at Alabama before tearing up NFL defenses. Earlier this year, Waddle explained what makes Tagovailoa so special.
“His ball placement,” Waddle told to KPRC, a hometown TV station. “I think everybody sees it, knowing exactly where to put the ball where his receivers can not just catch it, but catch it and run with it. So that’s what makes Tua Tua.
“Tua’s a great guy,” Waddle continued. “We’ve got years in with us playing together, so it’s always good being familiar with your quarterback, from the college game to the NFL game. It’s like riding a bike, getting back playing with him. It’s fun. You don’t have to learn quarterback tendencies when you’ve already played with him.”
Waddle isn’t the only one who benefits from the relationship. Last fall, Tagovailoa led the NFL in passer rating with a grade of 105.5, coming in just ahead of Patrick Mahomes‘ 105.2. In doing so, he became the first Dolphins quarterback to lead the NFL in the category since Dan Marino did so in 1984.
Hopefully for Tua and Dolphins fans alike, Waddle will quickly recover from his concussion.
On3’s Suzanne Haliburton also contributed to this article.