Jaylen Waddle Injury Update: Dolphins Star’s Week-7 Status and Fantasy Impact Revealed

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has rocketed to the center of the NFL rumor mill as the Miami Dolphins weigh whether to entertain offers for their Pro Bowl playmaker ahead of the rapidly approaching trade deadline. Multiple league sources confirm that the New York Giants are among the most aggressive suitors, joining a short list of teams hunting for an explosive pass-catcher who can stretch the field and uncap a stagnant offense. Why Miami might listen After locking in Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill on lucrative extensions, the Dolphins are projected to flirt with the top of the 2026 salary-cap ceiling. Moving Waddle would free roughly $14 million in cap space next season and erase more than $20 million in 2027 dead money, a maneuver that could help Miami re-sign emerging defensive stars and bolster its offensive line. General manager Chris Grier has publicly called Waddle “a foundational piece,” but insiders say the front office will listen if a team dangles a first-round pick plus additional mid-round capital. Giants’ sense of urgency New York’s passing attack ranks bottom-five in yards per attempt, and coach Brian Daboll has pushed ownership to green-light an aggressive deadline move. Pairing Waddle with fellow speedster Jalin Hyatt would instantly give quarterback Daniel Jones two vertical threats capable of blowing the top off coverage, while also clearing underneath routes for tight end Darren Waller. What makes Waddle special Since entering the league in 2021, the former Alabama standout has averaged 14.8 yards per reception and posted the NFL’s second-best yards after catch (YAC) per reception among wideouts with 250-plus targets. His ability to win from the slot or outside forces safeties to widen, opening running lanes for a Dolphins ground game that averages 4.9 yards per carry when Waddle is on the field versus 4.1 when he’s not. Fantasy football impact If Waddle lands in New York, expect an immediate bump in target share but a possible dip in efficiency while he acclimates to a different offensive system. Conversely, Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith could see a red-zone surge as Miami redistributes Waddle’s 18 percent end-zone target rate. Timeline to watch • Oct 29: Final weekend of games before the trade deadline • Oct 30–Nov 4: Window for medical evaluations and contract paperwork • Nov 5, 4 p.m. ET: NFL trade deadline Bottom line The Dolphins aren’t actively shopping Jaylen Waddle, but financial realities and an opportunistic Giants front office have created the season’s most compelling storyline. Whether Miami opts to keep its dynamic trio together or cash in on a premium draft haul, the coming days will dictate not only Waddle’s future but also the AFC playoff landscape.