NFL insider reveals return to play timetable for injured Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle

The Miami Dolphins took a loss on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens as Jaylen Waddle sat out with an ankle injury this week. The Dolphins could have used the former first-rounder amid the 56-19 slaughter but, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, they won’t have to wait long for his return.

Though his status for Week 18 is still up in the air, Waddle could make his return for the first playoff matchup. The Dolphins clinched their spot in the playoffs when they beat the Cowboys last week.

“He’s dealing with a high-ankle sprain, didn’t practice this week,” Rapoport reported on Sunday. “Not considered to be a severe one but could keep him out next week as well. My understanding is that Waddle, who is a quick healer, is expected back for the playoffs.”

“Remember a couple of years ago, he played in the National Championship when people were saying he shouldn’t, he heals quick, he wants to be on the field, that’s what I would expect in the playoffs.”

Before he suffered the ankle injury, Waddle was second on the team in receiving yards with 1,014 on 72 catches, trailing on Tyreek Hill. He also has four touchdowns this season. He became the first Dolphins receiver in history to hit 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons.

The Dolphins’ loss on Sunday changes little for their postseason plans, but it did have one devastating consequence. Linebacker Bradley Chubb suffered a torn ACL in his right knee.

Dolphins lose Nick Chubb to torn ACL

Chubb’s injury came in a non-contact situation in the fourth quarter of the game. Miami head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters after the game that he wished he had a time machine.

“I mean, in hindsight, I would absolutely not have wanted him out there if I would’ve known that he was going to get hurt. … It doesn’t look very smart at all,” McDaniel said post-game. “The players wanted to go back in and play and finish the right way heading into next week. And I have the ability to tell them no on everything in this situation.

There’s plenty of decisions that I’ll cross examine. … The intention is always purposeful. And I made the call that the guys that went out there, they wanted to be out there. I would like a time machine, for sure.”

It’s a tragic end to the season for Chubb who has now torn the ACLs in both of his knees during his six years in the league. He also tore one during his high school football career.

The Dolphins traded for Chubb before the trade deadline last season. They sent a first-round pick to Denver for the pass-rushing star. They also signed him to a five-year, $110 million contract extension afterward.