Miami Dolphins Injuries
Jaylen Waddle Returns Versus Bills
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) returned to Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. He exited during the first quarter and was initially listed as questionable to return. Now, the second-year wideout has checked back into the contest and will look to bounce back from a frustrating start in which he was unable to haul in either of his two targets.
Jaylen Waddle Questionable To Return Sunday
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) is questionable to return against the Buffalo Bills. Waddle exited during the first quarter of Sunday's Wild Card game after failing to catch a pass on the right sideline. Prior to departing, the second-year wideout had zero receptions on two targets. Trent Sherfield should step into the No. 2 receiver role (alongside Tyreek Hill) until Waddle can return.
Terron Armstead Active For Dolphins
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead (hip, knee, pectoral, toe) is officially active for the wild-card game against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday after coming into the game with a questionable tag. The 31-year-old only put in one limited practice on Friday, but he'll be on the field for the third meeting against Buffalo this year. Armstead didn't play in the Week 18 regular season finale and was uncertain if he'd be able to play in the postseason, but his return will be huge for Miami's offensive line against a tough Bills pass rush. Armstead is expected to return to left tackle to help protect rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson's blind side. The Dolphins will be missing offensive linemen Brandon Shell (knee), Kendall Lamm (ankle) and Liam Eichenberg (hand).
Tua Tagovailoa Expected To Be The Starter In 2023
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is expected to be the team's starting quarterback next season, according to league sources. And if the Dolphins pull off a huge upset and beat the division-rival Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round on Sunday, there's a chance that Tagovailoa could be cleared from the concussion protocol to play in the Divisional Round. But regardless of what happens against the Bills, the Dolphins have been pleased with Tagovailoa's development under first-year head coach Mike McDaniel, according to sources. Medical professionals are also confident that he should be able to resume his NFL career next year after he suffered two concussions. The 24-year-old has been in the concussion protocol since the day after Christmas, but his long-term prognosis looks promising.
Teddy Bridgewater Active, Will Serve As Backup
Miami Dolphins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (finger, knee) is active for the wild-card game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but he will serve in a backup role to rookie Skylar Thompson with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) ruled out. Bridgewater was limited in practice this week after dislocating the pinkie finger on his throwing hand in Week 17. He hasn't played since, although he'll be available in case of emergency on wild-card weekend in a very tough matchup against the Bills defense on the road in a hostile environment. Thompson will likely have a rough go of it in just his third career start, so we would recommend that fantasy managers stay away from him. Wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will see their targets, but they have a considerably lower ceiling and floor.
Teddy Bridgewater Listed As Questionable
Miami Dolphins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (finger, knee) was limited in practice all week and is officially questionable to suit up in Sunday's wild-card game against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins have already announced that seventh-round rookie Skylar Thompson will make the start this weekend, so if Bridgewater is active, he'll be the backup. The 30-year-old fractured the pinkie finger on his throwing hand in Week 17 and served as Thompson's backup in the Week 18 regular season finale. Starter Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) hasn't played since Christmas Day after suffering his second concussion of the year. Fantasy managers should stay far away from Thompson in playoff leagues.