Jaylen Waddle
Wide Receiver #17
Jaylen Waddle News
Jaylen Waddle Struggling to Find Consistency
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle failed to follow up a massive Week 2 performance with another fruitful effort in Week 3. Waddle finished a win over the Los Angeles Rams with just two receptions on seven targets, totaling 10 yards receiving and adding one carry for 14 yards rushing. Outside of his 10-reception, 138-yard performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, Waddle has finished with just three receptions for 12 yards in his team's other two matchups. The Broncos take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4, whose pass defense allowed Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson to record 11 receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown last week. Waddle is RotoBaller's 22nd-ranked wide receiver and is projected to score 11 fantasy points against San Francisco.
Oct 3, 2026 4:11 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Off the Injury Report, Good to Go for Week 4
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (foot) is off the injury report after practicing in full all week. Waddle was seen wearing a boot on his foot after Week 3's win over the Los Angeles Rams, but head coach Sean Payton was not concerned. He is now good to go for Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers. In three games, Waddle has caught 11 of 20 targets for 150 yards and added 14 rushing yards on one carry. He's played just 68% of snaps and 74% of routes, but has been used in every alignment in the offense except the offensive line this season. He faces the 49ers in Week 4, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season, including strong performances against Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Marvin Harrison Jr. While Waddle is off the injury report, he carries some risk in a tougher matchup.
Oct 2, 2026 2:59 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle a Full Participant in Wednesday's Practice
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (foot) should be ready to go for the Week 4 game in San Francisco this Sunday against the 49ers after practicing in full on Wednesday. Waddle was seen wearing a walking boot after Sunday night's comeback win over the Los Angeles Rams, but the boot is off now, and the 27-year-old looked good during the first practice of the week. Fantasy managers can stand down for now and leave the speedy wideout in their starting lineups for the week. Head coach Sean Payton said that Waddle is "doing fine." Waddle has bookended ugly performances with a strong Week 2 showing against the Jacksonville Jaguars, in which he caught eight of 10 targets for 138 yards. He has yet to find the end zone in his first three games in Denver, and in his other two games, he has just three catches on 10 targets for 12 yards while adding a 14-yard rush. Expect the Broncos to try to force-feed Waddle the ball more, starting this weekend against a strong 49ers defense. Savvy fantasy managers may want to see if they can buy low on the former Miami Dolphins wideout.
Sep 30, 2026 3:50 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Moving Around Well in Practice
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was moving around well at the team's practice on Wednesday, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Waddle was seen wearing a walking boot after the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, but he is fine and should be a full-go for another tough matchup this Sunday on the road against the 3-0 San Francisco 49ers. The 27-year-old was listed as a full participant on Wednesday, per Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. Waddle took over the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with eight catches on 10 targets for 138 yards, but in the other two games against the Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, he was virtually non-existent, catching a combined three passes on 10 targets for just 12 yards. Denver's offense looked better in the second-half comeback against L.A., but Waddle's lack of involvement early in the year has been a frustrating development for fantasy managers who were expecting him to be Denver's clear WR1 in 2026. There is still time for the speedy wideout to gain more chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix, and he should be left in starting lineups against the Niners this weekend.
Sep 30, 2026 1:08 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle is "Fine" Going into Week 4
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is "fine," a source told Sam Jane of The Denver Post. There was some speculation on social media about Waddle's health status after the team's Sunday night victory over the Los Angeles Rams. The 27-year-old was apparently seen wearing a walking boot in the clubhouse after Sunday night's game, but he should be just fine to play in Week 4 on the road against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Waddle played 73% of the offensive snaps against the Rams, but he had another disappointing performance for his fantasy managers, catching only two of his seven targets for 10 yards while adding a 14-yard run on an end-around. The former first-rounder by the Miami Dolphins from Alabama entered his first year in Denver with massive expectations after the Broncos sent a first-rounder to Miami for him in the offseason. It did not start well with a one-catch, two-yard performance in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, but Waddle came back to catch eight passes for 138 yards in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the frustration early on in 2026, fantasy managers need to keep the faith in the speedy receiver and leave him locked into starting lineups against the 49ers.
Sep 29, 2026 3:25 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Riding Wave of Momentum
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle got off to a slow start with his new team, but bounced back in a big way in Week 2. Waddle finished the Broncos' win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with 10 receptions for 136 yards, powering the Denver passing game to a resurgent effort. This week, Waddle is RotoBaller's 14th-ranked wide receiver and is projected to score 12 fantasy points as the Broncos face the Los Angeles Rams in a non-conference battle. The Rams allowed three different San Francisco 49ers wide receivers to find the end zone in Week 1 before Los Angeles shut down Jameis Winston en route to their first win of the season in Week 2.
Sep 25, 2026 10:15 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Bounces Back with Breakout Game
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle gave fantasy managers a dud during the season opener, but he bounced back in a big way on Sunday. Waddle hauled in eight of his 10 targets for 138 yards during the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and targets during Sunday's victory. These are the kind of performances fantasy managers expected to see from Waddle with his new team. He appears to be building strong chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect huge games like this every week, but Waddle should be a trustworthy WR2 for Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Sep 21, 2026 5:24 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Outside of Must-Start Territory in Week 2?
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle had a disastrous game in his team's season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, recording just one catch for two yards on three targets. The 27-year-old's usage in his first game with the Broncos was less than ideal, as he finished fifth on his team in targets. In Week 2, Waddle and the Broncos offense will look to bounce back against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars defense dominated the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, allowing just 205 passing yards and recording five sacks. On paper, the Broncos have a much more potent passing attack than the Browns and should provide Waddle with opportunities to put up fantasy points. Still, fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for Waddle until he establishes a higher-usage role in the Denver offense. All in all, Waddle profiles as a WR3/flex option rather than a must-start wide receiver in Week 2.
Sep 19, 2026 6:20 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Not an Ideal Play in Week 2
It was a quiet start to the season for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who was acquired by the Denver Broncos via trade this offseason. Waddle finished a disappointing Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with just one reception for two yards, causing some fantasy managers to panic about his fantasy football outlook. Waddle faces another challenging matchup in Week 2, as Denver goes up against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who allowed just 10 points and 128 yards receiving to wide receivers during a win over the Cleveland Browns last week. Browns rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston finished the game with a couple of receptions for 59 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown reception, but the scoring strike came in garbage time late in the fourth quarter. Waddle is RotoBaller's 28th-ranked wide receiver in Week 3, leaving him in the conversation to start for fantasy managers in three-wide-receiver leagues and as a flex option. Still, there are better options than Waddle out there worth considering, at least until the Broncos offense proves its viability this season.
Sep 18, 2026 5:39 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle "Going to Have his Touches"
When asked about getting wide receiver Jaylen Waddle more involved after his quiet debut with the team in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said, "Our intentions a week ago were that. And so we just gotta be more deliberate, maybe, and yet, without forcing it. But he's going to have his touches." The 27-year-old was one of the biggest busts of the week for fantasy football managers, as he caught just one of his three targets for two yards on a night in which the Broncos' offense just looked out of sorts aside from one touchdown drive. Waddle had a key third-down drop on one of his three targets, and he did not seem to gel with quarterback Bo Nix. That was not the sentiment at all during training camp, so fantasy managers should hope for Payton and offensive coordinator Davis Webb to grease Waddle's squeaky wheel in a Week 2 home matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After his quiet Week 1 performance, Waddle could quickly bounce back for fantasy managers as a WR2.
Sep 18, 2026 1:22 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle a Bust in Broncos Debut, Catches Just One Pass
Denver Broncos prized offseason acquisition, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, fell flat in the team's season-opening loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night in a 31-10 blowout, catching just one of three targets for two yards on the night. Denver's offense, managed by first-time play-caller Davis Webb, looked lost on Monday on the road, with quarterback Bo Nix going 17-for-28 passing for only 131 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. The 27-year-old dropped one of his three targets on a third down that would have been converted had he hung onto the ball. The Broncos will surely be looking to get the 27-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2021 the ball early and often as they look to bounce back in another tough matchup in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the tough showing in his Broncos debut, fantasy managers should be keeping Waddle in their starting lineups this week in what could turn into a shootout. Savvy fantasy managers will want to consider buying low on Waddle after his Week 1 dud.
Sep 14, 2026 7:59 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Looks to Start New Chapter of Career as a WR2 in Fantasy
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle kicks off the next chapter of his career on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. After five years with the Miami Dolphins, Waddle was traded to the Broncos this offseason. He'll immediately step in as the team's top receiver, and he should benefit from a quarterback upgrade, as he will now get to catch passes from Bo Nix instead of Tua Tagovailoa. Playing with Nix should boost Waddle's ceiling and floor in fantasy football. He was a top-13 fantasy receiver in each of his first two seasons, but he dropped to WR24 or lower in each of the last three years. Part of that was due to poor quarterback play, but Waddle's own injury issues can also be to blame. He'll now get a fresh start as he kicks off the 2026 season in an immediate statement matchup against the Chiefs. La'Jarius Sneed is the top cornerback in Kansas City's secondary, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll cover Waddle all game. The Broncos also have a very physical receiver in Courtland Sutton, who Sneed may be better equipped to cover. We wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs rotate between Sneed, Mansoor Delane, and Nohl Williams covering Waddle. Delane is a rookie and Williams is a first-time starter, so there's an opportunity for Waddle to feast if he's indeed not going up against Sneed all game long. We're confident in Waddle as a WR2, especially in a game that is projected to be close, which means that both teams will be throwing the ball often.
Sep 12, 2026 8:27 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle's First Denver Summer Raises Expectations
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has made a strong first impression with his new team. The Broncos gave up first-, third- and fourth-round picks to acquire him from Miami in March, and Waddle spent much of camp showing exactly what they paid for. Denver's own coverage repeatedly highlighted his ability to separate and create explosive plays during the first six practices. A leg strain on Aug. 5 interrupted that run for nearly two weeks, but it didn't take long for Waddle to get going again. He returned to practice Aug. 17 and, two days later, hauled in a roughly 60-yard touchdown from Bo Nix during the final open practice of camp. Waddle is coming off 64 catches for 910 yards and six touchdowns on 100 targets last season and now enters a Denver offense that clearly has plans for his speed. Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr. and Evan Engram will all get their opportunities, so the targets could be spread around. Still, Waddle's first summer in Denver has given fantasy managers more reason to expect a rebound toward his earlier production.
Sep 4, 2026 7:58 AM EST
Quarterback Upgrade Could be the Key to Jaylen Waddle's Success
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is set to enjoy an enormous quarterback upgrade following his offseason trade from the Dolphins to the Broncos. Waddle held his own in Miami despite abysmal quarterback play, ranking as the overall WR24 with Tua Tagovailoa and Quinn Ewers throwing to him last year. Now, he'll be catching Bo Nix, and he arguably finds himself in the best situation of his six-year career. Will he finish higher than WR8 and post the best fantasy finish of his career? Not necessarily. However, the pieces are in place for Waddle, who has shown that he can handle the No. 1 receiver role, to thrive. Staying on the field will also be key for the 27-year-old, who has finished as WR24 or higher in each of the three years he played 16+ games, but WR34 or lower in each of the two years he missed at least two games. Waddle is certainly trending up, and he now ranks as the overall WR19 in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings for 2026.
Aug 31, 2026 8:09 PM EST
Broncos Say Jaylen Waddle is "Going to Play Everywhere"
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle "is going to play everywhere except offensive line," offensive coordinator Davis Webb told Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. These remarks obviously come with a little sarcasm, as Waddle obviously isn't going to line up in the trenches, nor do we expect him to throw any passes. With that being said, it's still fair to read into these comments and wonder if we might see some design rushing attempts for Waddle out of the backfield, as well as a very heavy dose of snaps in the slot and out wide. Denver gave up a first-round pick in the package for the young receiver, so it makes sense that they want to get him involved in as many ways as possible. He had 910 yards and six touchdowns last season, and those numbers should only increase as he gets a quarterback upgrade with Bo Nix throwing to him. Waddle currently ranks as the WR20 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings, 20 spots ahead of teammate Courtland Sutton.
Aug 25, 2026 7:36 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Continues to Build Chemistry in Broncos Offense
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle continues to make plays with his new quarterback, catching a 60-yard touchdown from Bo Nix during Wednesday's practice, according to Zac Stevens. Waddle beat Pat Surtain II on the play, another impressive rep against a corner he's battled throughout camp. The connection with Nix has been showing up more often lately. Nix hit Waddle in stride for a gain of at least 20 yards Tuesday, and offensive coordinator Davis Webb recently pointed to the work the two put in together over the summer when discussing their developing chemistry. Waddle has also jumped right back into the mix after missing more than a week with a leg strain. He caught 64 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns for Miami last season before Denver traded for him in March. The Broncos wanted another explosive element in the passing game, and Waddle's early work with Nix is starting to show exactly what that could look like.
Aug 19, 2026 9:50 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Back in Full Pads Tuesday
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) was in full pads Tuesday, another step forward after returning to practice Monday. Waddle had been out since leaving an Aug. 5 practice with a muscle strain in his left leg. Head coach Sean Payton initially expected him back within four or five days, but Denver gave him more time. He was nearly a full participant Monday and even caught a pass from Bo Nix during a red-zone period. Now the pads are back on. Waddle came over from Miami in a March trade after posting 64 catches for 910 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games last season. Denver gave up first-, third- and fourth-round picks in that deal while also getting a fourth-rounder back with Waddle. The Broncos have plenty invested in him, and he is expected to be a major part of the passing game alongside Courtland Sutton. After almost two weeks of dealing with the strain, Tuesday's step is a good sign.
Aug 18, 2026 9:15 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Returns to Practice Monday
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) returned to practice Monday after missing nearly two weeks with a muscle strain, according to Parker Gabriel. Waddle was involved throughout the non-padded session, his first real work since leaving practice early on August 5. Head coach Sean Payton initially expected him back within four or five days, but the absence ended up lasting longer than that. Waddle also missed Denver's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons. The Broncos acquired the 27-year-old from Miami in March after he caught 64 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns last season, and he is currently listed as a starter on Denver's unofficial depth chart. Monday was a positive development after the extended layoff. Waddle still has time to get more work with Bo Nix and the rest of the offense before the regular season begins.
Aug 17, 2026 11:14 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Not in Uniform for Preseason Opener
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) will not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons, per Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. Fellow wideout Marvin Mims Jr. is also sitting out, as is starting quarterback Box Nix and running back J.K. Dobbins. It's no surprise that Waddle is being held out after exiting training camp practice last Wednesday with muscle tightness in his leg. The speedy pass-catcher has not yet returned to team drills, but there doesn't appear to be any concern that it's an injury that will linger into the start of the 2026 regular season. The 27-year-old former first-rounder by the Miami Dolphins in 2021 from the University of Alabama was acquired by Denver in the offseason in hopes that he could unlock the explosiveness in the Broncos' passing attack. Waddle could be Nix's go-to target over Courtland Sutton this year, giving him a lot of upside as a WR2 target in fantasy football drafts. He could be in line to make his team debut in the second preseason game at home next Friday against the Green Bay Packers.
Aug 14, 2026 2:59 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Still Absent on Tuesday
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) remains absent from training camp practice on Tuesday, although he is present, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Waddle remains day-to-day after dealing with muscle tightness in his leg since last week. His injury is not considered serious, and the Broncos are likely just taking extra precaution for their new addition that they spent first- and third-round picks on to acquire in the offseason. The Broncos have their preseason opener this Friday against the Atlanta Falcons, and Waddle almost certainly will not play in that contest as he continues to recover. The 27-year-old former sixth overall pick from the University of Alabama could be the Broncos' leading target and receiver in 2026 in his first year in the Mile High City, making him a popular WR2 target with upside, especially in leagues that reward points for each catch. Waddle had three 1,000-yard seasons in Miami to begin his career, and he came just short of a fourth with 910 yards and six touchdowns in 16 starts in 2025.
Aug 11, 2026 8:37 AM EST
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