Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle still in concussion protocol, questionable vs. Broncos; McDaniel optimistic about Armstead, Phillips

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle remained in concussion protocol Friday but has not been ruled out by coach Mike McDaniel ahead of Sunday’s home opener against the Denver Broncos.

Waddle will officially be listed as questionable on the team’s injury report. He has advanced to the point of limited practice participation and was spotted in a red, non-contact jersey during a media viewing period Friday. He entered concussion protocol due to a hit to the head he took in last Sunday night’s 24-17 win at the New England Patriots.

“We’ll see how he progresses,” McDaniel said before practice. “We’ll see what the medical staff tells me about his position in the protocol (Saturday) and the day after and the day after.”

McDaniel would not comment on the possibility of him playing Sunday.

“I’m going to wait until he clears the protocol first before I even enter into that field,” McDaniel said.

Waddle was a non-participant in practices on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the team’s injury reports, before appearing Friday. He was seen during team stretch at Wednesday’s session but without a helmet and not otherwise partaking in drills.

Waddle went down late in the game at Gillette Stadium after taking helmet-to-helmet contact from linebacker Marte Mapu that resulted in an unnecessary roughness penalty. Waddle did not return.

The Dolphins’ standout third-year wideout led the team in receiving against the Patriots, with 86 yards on four receptions. Waddle’s presence could be key against the Broncos, who have All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II capable of locking down one side and maybe limiting what Miami’s Tyreek Hill can do.

“It’s tough,” quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said Wednesday about possibly playing without Waddle. “I would say the rest of the guys in that room, they’re ready to step up. They’re ready to play. Doesn’t change how I prepare.”

Said Hill on Thursday: “We’d love Jaylen to play. I love him like a brother, man. But obviously, health is everything. In the NFL, the mindset is next man up.”

If Waddle doesn’t play, Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft and Erik Ezukanma could see more snaps and targets against Denver. The Dolphins also could activate Cedrick Wilson Jr. after he’s been a healthy inactive the first two weeks. Robbie Chosen and Braylon Sanders are among practice squad options to elevate for the game.

Among other injury concerns for the Dolphins (2-0) before they face the Broncos (0-2) on Sunday are left tackle Terron Armstead and outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips, after both missed the victory in Foxborough, Mass.

The two are questionable as of Friday, but McDaniel expressed optimism about them playing Sunday against Denver.

“He’s had a real good work week,” McDaniel said about Armstead as he is set to participate in all three days of practice for the second week in a row. “I feel good about where he’s at, and I’m hoping there’s just green lights and no red lights until Sunday.”

Armstead has spent the past month working back from an ankle injury suffered in an Aug. 17 joint practice with the Houston Texans. He also is receiving treatment on his knee and back.

Phillips tweaked his back in the Friday practice last week ahead of the game against the Patriots. He, like Armstead, was a game-time decision in New England that was ruled inactive before kickoff.

“He’s doing good, and I feel very optimistic about him, as well,” McDaniel said. “Those two guys, you’re fortunate enough to make decisions that aren’t short-sighted with players that are as important to the team as Jaelan Phillips or Terron Armstead when you have a team that has a lot of capable contributors.

“Being pragmatic about last week makes me feel good about this week.”

After both Armstead and Phillips were limited Wednesday and Thursday, the two were again seen participating Friday — Phillips as a full participant but Armstead limited.

Miami also has had Salvon Ahmed miss the first two practices this week, dealing with a groin injury. He was a limited participant in Friday drills and is doubtful for Sunday.

Others questionable for the Dolphins: Defensive tackle Raekwon Davis (wrist), defensive back Elijah Campbell (knee), tight ends Tyler Kroft (back) and Julian Hill (ankle). Kroft was the only one still limited Friday, while the other three participated fully.

For the Broncos, a pair of former Pro Bowlers, safety Justin Simmons (hip) and outside linebacker Frank Clark (hip) have been ruled out. Defensive tackle Mike Purcell (ankle) is questionable.

Dolphins bring back Hayes

The Dolphins announced Friday they signed rookie tackle Ryan Hayes back onto the practice squad.

Hayes was Miami’s seventh-round pick in the past draft. He was cut after training camp as he didn’t make the Dolphins’ initial 53-man active roster. The Indianapolis Colts then claimed him, but on Tuesday, he was released.

The Dolphins released fellow tackle James Tunstall from their practice squad in a corresponding move.