MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has not hit the practice field since sustaining a high ankle sprain against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday, but his absence hasn’t kept Tyreek Hill from hoping that his running mate will suit up in Baltimore.
Local 10 News spoke with Hill on Thursday, who said he believes Waddle will be a “go” for Sunday’s game in a matchup that could determine the No.1 seed in the AFC.
“He will be a go and I’m gonna manifest it and put it in the air,” Hill said about his fellow wide receiver. “The type of player he is, his mindset. He understands what’s at stake and he’s our guy. Without him being on the field, it’s gonna be difficult, but if he can’t go, he can’t go.”
Hill also continued to give praise to his quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and shared what he’s been most impressed with regarding his play this season.
“Just how vocal he (Tagovailoa) is,” said Hill. “I feel like Tua has done a great job of stepping outside of his shell and doing things that aren’t comfortable for him. I think he’s doing a fabulous job and the team needs that from him.”
The Dolphins’ win over the Cowboys was significant in the eyes of many because it marked Miami’s first victory of the season over a team with a winning record after previous losses to the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.
Miami is now 11-4 following the win and has a 2-game lead in the AFC East over the Buffalo Bills, who are 9-6. The Dolphins have already clinched a playoff bid and are now fighting to become the top seed in the AFC.
Hill and Waddle have both enjoyed success in Miami’s No.1 ranked offense after going over the century mark for the Dolphins this season. Last week, Waddle became the first receiver in team history to record over 1000 receiving yards in three consecutive seasons.
Waddle’s practice participation for the remainder of the week will be affected by the ankle issue, and he seems likely to carry an injury designation into the weekend if he isn’t ruled out for the game at the conclusion of Friday’s practice.
If Waddle ends up sidelined for Week 17, Cedrick Wilson, Braxton Berrios, Robbie Chosen and possibly Chase Claypool would likely be next in line for added reps behind Hill.
Kickoff from M&T Bank Stadium is set for 1 p.m. Sunday.