Jaylen Waddle injury status: Dolphins WR unlikely to play in Week 16 vs. 49ers

Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is dealing with a knee injury and is expected to be inactive in Week 16. We break down what it means for fantasy football.

The Miami Dolphins host the San Francisco 49ers in a Week 16 matchup both teams need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Miami is likely to be shorthanded at wide receiver, but how much will depend on some game day news. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is likely to miss the game, while Tyreek Hill is questionable heading into Sunday.

Jaylen Waddle injury status

Waddle injured his knee last Sunday against the Texans, leaving in the second quarter and never returning. Over the past week, he has been unable to practice and on Friday the team listed him as doubtful on their final injury report. The doubtful designation means a 25% chance of playing in the game.

Jaylen Waddle fantasy football impact

If Waddle is unable to play, Malik Washington would see a boost in playing time. Odell Beckham previously would have been getting work, but he worked out his release from Miami. River Cracraft would see a boost in his playing time now that OBJ is out of the picture.

Last week against the Texans, Jonnu Smith led the team with nine receptions and a touchdown, while Washington led the team with 52 receiving yards on five receptions. Smith would be the primary beneficiary of Waddle’s absence and should remain a strong option. Over the past four weeks, he is the second highest scoring tight end in fantasy football, so he remains a strong TE1 in Week 16.