Broncos Trade for Jaylen Waddle Faces Early Setback, Returns to Practice

In March, the Denver Broncos completed a high-profile offseason move by acquiring Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Early in August, Waddle left Broncos practice with a soft-tissue injury—a muscle strain in his left leg—and missed the team’s preseason opener on Friday. He had not practiced again until the following Monday, when coaches confirmed his return to the field ahead of the next preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.

Newsweek

Waddle entered the NFL as the Dolphins’ No. 6 overall pick in 2021 after a standout collegiate career at Alabama. Over five seasons in Miami, he accumulated 5,039 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns on 373 receptions, averaging 13.5 yards per catch. He posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career and recorded a career-high 1,356 yards on 75 receptions in 2022, ranking seventh in the league that year. Although he has missed only seven games total, Waddle has appeared on injury reports each season for various soft-tissue issues and joint sprains.

Newsweek

Head coach Sean Payton said the Broncos are handling Waddle’s situation cautiously and noted that the receiver is “coming along really well.” Payton indicated that the team will monitor his progress throughout the week and determine his readiness for the upcoming matchup.

Newsweek

Waddle’s return to practice allows the Broncos to evaluate their new offensive weapon before the Friday game with the Packers. If he remains healthy, his speed and proven production could significantly boost Denver’s passing attack, addressing a key offseason priority. Conversely, any recurrence of the strain could limit his availability and impact the team’s early-season plans.

Newsweek