(Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins will go into their Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens without one of their best offensive weapons.
The team officially ruled out wide receiver Jaylen Waddle with a high-ankle sprain for the pivotal AFC clash.
At 11-4, the Dolphins have a shot to tie the Ravens for the AFC’s best record if they can win this week.
But they’ll have to do it with a depleted pass-catching group without Waddle.
Fans had thoughts on the news, with comments on Waddle, the Dolphins, and the state of the AFC.
The Dolphins have the excuses loaded up already for being a Wild Card team and not a division winner lol
— Cric Fam (@Cricfam12) December 29, 2023
Waddles absence hurts Dolphins playoff hopes Ravens defense will feast on Tua
— imhodler (@iamhodler_) December 29, 2023
Double Tyreek and stack box on Mostert. Easy W for the Ravens
— Chris C (@d0ncheech718) December 29, 2023
Dude got hurt in every game this year
— JThomasG (@JThomasG88) December 29, 2023
Waddle is an important part of the Dolphins’ offense, but he’s by no means integral to the team’s success.
He missed Miami’s Week 3 drubbing of the Denver Broncos where the offense scored 10 total touchdowns in the 70-20 win and has just three games with more than 100 receiving yards and only four total receiving touchdowns on the season.
However, Waddle’s absence comes in a game with huge AFC implications against the best defense in the NFL.
The Ravens will try to lock down wideout Tyreek Hill and limit Tua Tagovailoa’s options in the passing game.
If Miami loses this game, it also creates a pathway for the Buffalo Bills to take the AFC East division if the Bills win this week against the New England Patriots.
That scenario would put the two teams on a collision course for Week 18 game with the division title and first-round home playoff game on the line.
Head coach Mike McDaniel will have to get extra creative to find ways to stymie the Ravens defense to keep the Dolphins’ hold on the AFC East.
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