The Miami Dolphins are 7-9 and are entering a Week 18 matchup against the New England Patriots with little to play for.
With Darren Waller on injured reserve, Tua Tagovailoa benched, and De'Von Achane unlikely to play, the Dolphins' offense is severely depleted in this week's matchup.
But those aren't the only Dolphins players missing this week. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Dolphins are also likely to be down star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for the Week 18 regular-season finale.
Dolphins expected to be without Jaylen Waddle in Week 18
"Dolphins running back De'Von Achane and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle are not expected to play in today's regular-season finale at New England, per sources," Schefter reports.
Miami isn't just expected to be down their breakout star running back, but also their clear top wide receiver as well.
Waddle is 27 years old, had been floated in trade rumors at the trade deadline, and now is missing the final game of the 2025 season for Miami.
If he's inactive, Waddle will finish his 2025 season with 64 receptions on 100 targets for 910 yards and six touchdowns.
Getting passes from Tagovailoa, Quinn Ewers, and Zach Wilson, this season has been a strange one for Waddle and the Dolphins.
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He impressed in 2025, but there's plenty of room for improvement going forward with a better offense. Waddle is immensely talented, and pairing him with a better quarterback could go a long way for Miami.
In his place for the regular season finale against the Patriots, Ewers will throw to Malik Washington, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Theo Wease Jr., Tahj Washington, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhene.
The Dolphins are likely to change the wide receiver a bit over the offseason, and Waddle's name is one to closely monitor. But, for now, his 2025 has likely come to an end, as he's expected to be ruled out for Week 18's season finale.
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- Dolphins' Mike McDaniel doubles down on Tua Tagovailoa benching with new comment
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