Jaylen Waddle

Denver Broncos
Wide Receiver #17
FANTASY NEWS STATS INJURY

Jaylen Waddle News RotoBaller

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

Jaylen Waddle Misses Monday's Practice

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) was not seen practicing on Monday, according to Parker Gabriel. Waddle hasn't practiced since leaving early during this past Wednesday's session due to muscle tightness. Fantasy managers don't need to panic as this doesn't sound like a long-term issue. Head coach Sean Payton said he expected Waddle to return to practice this week. It's early in camp, so the team will hold out players even with minor issues. Fantasy managers should expect Waddle to be fully healthy and ready to go for the start of the season.

Aug 10, 2026 5:29 PM EST

Jaylen Waddle Not Wearing Leg Sleeve, Looks to be Improving

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) is not wearing a sleeve on his leg at training camp practice on Saturday and is running better than he has since his injury earlier this week, according to DNVR Sports' Zac Stevens. The Broncos held Waddle out of practices this week as a precaution after he dealt with muscle tightness. It doesn't appear to be anything significant for fantasy managers to be worried about. We'd be surprised if the Broncos use Waddle in their preseason opener next Friday against the Atlanta Falcons, but the speedy pass-catcher should be ready for the start of his first season in the Mile High City in 2026. After giving up first- and third-round picks for Waddle in the offseason, head coach Sean Payton figures to get him involved heavily as a way for the Broncos' offense to become more explosive through the air. The 27-year-old opened his NFL career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, and as long as he stays healthy, he could be a lock for a fourth 1,000-yard campaign with the Broncos in 2026. Fantasy managers should target him as a strong WR2 in upcoming drafts, especially in point-per-reception formats.

Aug 8, 2026 8:28 AM EST

Jaylen Waddle Should be Back in "4-5 Days"

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) has missed the last two days of training camp practice due to undisclosed muscle tightness, but he's expected back soon, according to Aric DiLalla of the team's official website. "I think we'll see him back in the next 4-5 days," Payton said. The Broncos are also resting veteran wideout Courtland Sutton, which will give Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant more opportunities with the first-team offense over the next few days. The Denver Post's Parker Gabriel is reporting that Waddle is dealing with a strain, but to what part of his body is unclear. Waddle was seen walking around with a limp during Thursday's training camp practice without his helmet. It's something to keep an eye on, but it shouldn't affect the speedy pass-catcher's availability for the Week 1 Monday night showdown against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Denver gave up a lot to acquire Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, so he should be peppered with targets as one of quarterback Bo Nix's go-to targets in 2026. Waddle will be a strong WR2 to target in upcoming fantasy drafts.

Aug 6, 2026 10:54 AM EST

Jaylen Waddle Walking With a Limp at Practice

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) was seen walking with a limp during the team's training camp practice on Thursday, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Waddle left Wednesday's practice early with muscle tightness, and he was spotted walking around on Thursday without a helmet, suggesting that he's not taking part in team drills because of his injury. It's worth watching for the speedy 27-year-old pass-catcher, but it will most likely end up being of no concern regarding his regular-season availability. Waddle, the former sixth overall pick in 2021 by the Miami Dolphins from the University of Alabama, opened his career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons. The Broncos gave up a first-rounder for him in the offseason and plan on making him the key focus of the passing game as they look to become more explosive through the air in head coach Sean Payton's offense. Courtland Sutton is still around, but all signs point to Waddle being quarterback Bo Nix's new No. 1 target as they move him all around the formation. Waddle's fantasy arrow is pointing back up in his new digs, and RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 23 WR going into his first year with the Broncos.

Aug 6, 2026 8:47 AM EST

Jaylen Waddle Dealing With Muscle Tightness, Expected to be Fine

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle left Wednesday's practice during one-on-one drills and did not return, according to Luca Evans. Head coach Sean Payton later described the issue as muscle tightness and said Waddle is expected to be fine. The offseason acquisition caught 64 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns with Miami last season and is expected to play a major role alongside Courtland Sutton. Payton's comments suggest the Broncos were simply being cautious, though Waddle's participation in the next practice will confirm whether he needs any additional recovery time.

Aug 5, 2026 10:38 AM EST

The Jaylen Waddle Hype Continues in Broncos Camp

New Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been a hit early on in training camp, and it "has become clear to see how the Broncos believe Waddle's electric skills can fit into their offense," according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Waddle has shown his ability to win inside on quick-hit plays and then gobble up yards after the catch. Quarterback Bo Nix said the team's new offensive weapon gives them an explosive element that "we've lacked for a couple of years." The 27-year-old Waddle has helped unlock new areas of the field for Nix after Nix averaged only 6.8 yards per pass attempt in 2025. "Middle of the field, outside, vertically, behind the line of scrimmage -- anywhere," Nix said of Waddle's impact. "We're going to utilize him, and whatever the defense is giving us, we're going to attack." The Broncos gave up first- and third-round picks to acquire Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, and head coach Sean Payton clearly has many ways in mind to use the speedy wideout to give the Broncos offense more explosive plays. Waddle could easily lead Denver in targets and yardage in 2026 in his first year with the team, making him a popular WR2 target in upcoming fantasy drafts.

Aug 5, 2026 7:59 AM EST

Sean Payton Praises Jaylen Waddle, Plans to Use Him All Across the Field

In an interview with NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund and Steve Wyche, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton offered high praise for newly acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Payton said, "he's an elite competitor," and "he's a guy that can play in the slot, he can play outside, and he can separate with both his speed and agility." Earlier this week, Payton said Waddle is the kind of player who "walks on water" and that "there's a clear vision for him." The former Dolphins receiver was traded to Denver this offseason and has been making a ton of noise during training camp. With high praise from his head coach, Waddle could be in line for a great season in Denver, similar to how receivers like George Pickens and Davante Adams did after changing teams in 2025.

Aug 1, 2026 4:44 PM EST

Jaylen Waddle Having Sensational Camp So Far

Denver Broncos' newly acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has gotten off to a fantastic start to his first training camp in Denver. Waddle has made several explosive plays, including an insane one-handed catch in the end zone, and has earned praise from head coach Sean Payton. Payton said that he is a player who "walks on water" and that "there's a clear vision for him." The former Dolphins receiver has tallied over 50 yards per game in each of his five NFL seasons and may have found his best situation yet with Bo Nix and the Broncos. The former Top-10 pick is currently ranked WR22 and could easily outshine that mark in 2026.

Jul 31, 2026 7:12 PM EST

Troy Franklin Dynasty Value Takes a Hit After Denver Adds Jaylen Waddle

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin finally gave fantasy managers something to work with in Year 2. Then Denver traded for Jaylen Waddle. Franklin caught 65 of 104 targets for 709 yards and six touchdowns last season, a big jump from his 28-catch rookie year. That growth should not be tossed aside because the depth chart got ugly. Waddle and Courtland Sutton now headline a room that still has Marvin Mims Jr. and Pat Bryant, and Denver has said it does not plan to trade another receiver. A steady weekly role is no longer a given. Franklin's two seasons with Bo Nix at Oregon help, but familiarity will only take him so far when the ball has to be spread around. RotoBaller has him at WR80 in its latest dynasty rankings. That is low enough to hold rather than sell after one rough offseason turn. Redraft is different. Franklin needs camp to break his way before he is more than a late bench flier, but dynasty managers can wait and see what survives from last year's breakout.

Jul 15, 2026 12:35 PM EST

Troy Franklin a Dynasty Hold After Jaylen Waddle Trade

The Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin finally broke through in 2025, only to watch the team trade for Jaylen Waddle a few months later. Franklin went from 28 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie to 65 for 709 yards and six scores on 104 targets. That growth matters. So does the new depth chart. Waddle and Courtland Sutton should command most of the work, with Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., and Pat Bryant left to sort out the rest. Franklin still has the Oregon history with Bo Nix, but that alone will not protect last season's volume. At 23, though, he is too young to dump after one bad offseason turn. RotoBaller has him at WR80 in dynasty, low enough that selling now probably means taking the loss after Waddle's arrival. Hold him and wait for the room to open up. Redraft is much thinner. Franklin sits at WR82 in PPR and needs camp to show he has a steady role before he becomes more than a late flier.

Jul 13, 2026 5:59 AM EST

Jaylen Waddle Draws Praise From Sean Payton

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton appears to be excited about adding speedy wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to his offense in 2026, and he's been impressed with him this offseason, according to Susanna Weir of the team's official website. "He's someone who picks things up real quick," Payton said in June. "You can just feel his instincts, his quickness and his ability to not only run fast but stop fast. So, he's doing well." Payton said there was a "crystal-clear vision" for the former sixth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2021 when they sent a first-rounder to Miami to acquire Waddle this offseason. He had three 1,000-yard seasons in his first five years in Miami and has averaged 81 catches for 1,098 yards and six touchdowns per year. Payton loves the versatility and flexibility that the 27-year-old brings to the fold. The Broncos already have Courtland Sutton, who has been their clear WR1 for years, but Waddle brings a different dynamic and could immediately become quarterback Bo Nix's most targeted wideout as Denver's offense looks to become more dynamic and explosive. Waddle's 15.0 yards per catch since 2022 are the third-most in the NFL, and he led the league in 2022 with 18.1 yards per catch. In his new digs, Waddle's fantasy stock is back on the rise, and he should be targeted as a low-end WR2 with upside in 2026.

Jul 10, 2026 4:29 PM EST

Broncos Hoping Jaylen Waddle Makes the Offense More Explosive

The Denver Broncos acquired speedy wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason as a playmaking weapon who can create more open space in the middle of the field. Head coach Sean Payton "raved" about Waddle's start-and-stop abilities during the offseason program. He'll give the Broncos a new option at the position who "fits into larger swaths of the offense's route tree." "There's an element of explosiveness that I think, as an offense, we've lacked for a couple years," quarterback Bo Nix said in June. The Broncos still have Courtland Sutton, who has been the team's clear WR1 in recent seasons, but Nix could lean more on Waddle in 2026 as his go-to guy, especially in the intermediate areas of the field. Even though Miami's offense wilted last year in his final year in Miami, the 27-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Alabama was 13th in the NFL in yards per route run (2.34). Waddle finished with a 64-910-6 line in 16 starts. If he stays healthy in 2026 in his first season in Denver, Waddle will certainly have a shot to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth time in his career. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 25 WR for the upcoming season.

Jul 7, 2026 7:22 AM EST

Has Jaylen Waddle's Redraft Stock Outpaced His True Value?

After spending the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is entering his first year with the Denver Broncos in 2026. Denver sent significant draft capital to Miami to acquire Waddle, who now projects as the team's WR1. The move from Miami to Denver should provide Waddle with a significantly improved offensive environment. However, the Broncos have several wide receivers who are capable of earning targets, including Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant. Waddle spent most of 2025 as the clear WR1 in Miami, but he still finished the year as the WR29 in per-game PPR scoring. As the 23rd wide receiver off the board by average draft position in redraft leagues, Waddle may currently be slightly overvalued.

Jul 5, 2026 5:41 PM EST

Jaylen Waddle Looking Like a Star During Spring Workouts

New Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle "has looked every bit the star wide receiver this spring," according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The Broncos gave up a first-round pick in this year's NFL draft to acquire the services of Waddle from the Miami Dolphins this offseason, and head coach Sean Payton looks ready to use him all over the field. The 27-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Alabama opened his NFL career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons while also leading the league with 18.1 yards per catch in his sophomore campaign. Waddle failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark in each of the last two years as Miami's speed-based offense hit a snag, although he did bounce back in 2025 with a 64-910-6 line in 16 starts. The Broncos already have a capable WR1 in Courtland Sutton, but the Broncos didn't give up a haul not to involve Waddle regularly, and he could thrive underneath in Payton's offense in Year 1 in Denver. Waddle is a more intriguing target for fantasy managers in PPR formats, and he should be considered a low-end WR2/high-end WR3/flex in his new digs.

Jun 11, 2026 4:13 PM EST

Sean Payton has "Crystal Clear" Vision for Versatile Jaylen Waddle

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said there is a "crystal clear" vision for the role of new wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who can play all over, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Waddle had 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins before falling back down to Earth a bit alongside a struggling Miami offense the last two seasons. The 27-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Alabama had a 64-910-6 line in 16 starts in 2025, though, and his fantasy stock is back on the rise after the Broncos gave up a first-round pick for him this offseason. Denver has plenty of options at the position in Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims Jr., and Troy Franklin, but because of his ability to play all over the field with a bright offensive mind in Payton designing plays for him, Waddle could easily lead the Broncos in targets and catches in his first year in the Mile High City in 2026. Fantasy managers will want to target the sixth-year receiver as a low-end WR2 with upside this fall as he finally gets out of the shadow of Tyreek Hill.

Jun 4, 2026 11:25 AM EST