Jaylen

Waddle

Waddle was listed as questionable in the first half but then ruled out to begin the third. It’s another nightmare development for Waddle in his first Broncos season, as he has struggled for both 100 percent health and productive box scores. Today’s injury came as Waddle skied for a target over the middle of the field and got high/lowed. He had just one grab for 22 yards before departing. The only good news is the Broncos are on bye for Week 10, meaning Waddle might not miss any game time beyond this afternoon.

Waddle played through a questionable tag with this injury last week, catching 3-of-6 targets for 39 yards and one touchdown against the Chiefs. He apparently made it through the contest without re-injuring himself and can be started as a WR3 this week against the Panthers.

Starting with the positive, Waddle found the end zone for the second time this year and got going over the middle of the field with a 35-yard missile from Nix early in the second quarter. It’s his longest catch since Week 2, when he erupted for 138 yards on eight receptions, including a 49-yarder. On the downside, Waddle managed a pedestrian 19 percent target share and finished third on the team in receiving. He found the end zone and still scored a grand total of 12.9 PPR points. The Broncos’ offense is still a work in progress, even if today was a step in the right direction. Waddle will get another week in the WR3 mix when the Broncos take on the Panthers.

Left tackle Garrett Boles and EDGE Zach Allen are also active. All Broncos players who were questionable for Week 8 are active. After a disappointing two months to start the year, Waddle is at the back of the WR3 ranks for Week 8. Inactive for the Broncos are S Talana Hufanga, QB Sam Ehlinger, OL Gavin Ortega, DL Jordan Jackson, DL Tyler Oneydim, OL Kage Casey, and TE Dallen Bentley.

Waddle suffered the chest injury late in the Broncos’ Week 7 win over the Cardinals and a doomed trick play. He was leveled by Josh Sweat several yards behind the line of scrimmage. The Broncos held him out of Wednesday’s practice before giving him two limited sessions and a questionable tag. Though we suspect he is on some form of a snap count, it looks like Waddle is giving it a go. Already struggling to put up WR3 fantasy numbers, we’re regarding him as a high-risk FLEX play versus Kansas City.

Waddle got in two limited sessions after missing practice on Wednesday. It feels like he’s on the optimistic side of questionable given the trend line, though of course you would have preferred to see a full session somewhere in here. It’s also possible he winds up on a snap count, so we’ll see if any insiders dig up anything on that this weekend.

Waddle aggravated an existing chest injury on a trick play late in the fourth quarter of Week 7. A return to the practice field, in any capacity, Thursday keeps the door open for him to be available to play the Chiefs in Week 8, although fantasy managers are likely looking for an excuse to bench the over-hyped receiver. It would be prudent to look at other viable options in a difficult matchup.

Earlier today, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Waddle’s status for Week 8 against the Chiefs has not been determined. The Broncos’ No. 1 wide receiver aggravated his preexisting chest injury in Week 7 against the Cardinals. Backup plans should be made at this time.

Waddle left Sunday’s game against the Cardinals with the chest injury. It was, according to Rapoport, an “aggravation of his previous chest injury.” Waddle could try to practice later this week, but would appear to be iffy unless he can log a practice session by Friday. If Waddle is sidelined this week against the Chiefs, Courtland Sutton would likely see more targets and become an interesting flex option against a tough KC secondary. Sutton over the past four weeks leads Denver in air yards and has the second most targets behind Waddle.

Up by 14, Sean Payton dialed up a trick play for Waddle, giving him a pitch as Waddle came across the formation. Waddle bobbled the ball and was clobbered by Josh Sweat. He writhed in pain while holding his left shoulder. Trainers came onto the field and eventually walked him into the locker room. With less than four minutes on the clock at the time of his departure, we don’t expect to see him again today. Waddle’s day ends with four catches for 48 yards on seven targets.