Jaylen Waddle
Wide Receiver #17
Jaylen Waddle News
Jaylen Waddle Trending in the Right Direction for Week 8
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) is "trending in the right direction to play" against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Waddle, who has not missed a game this season, is officially listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday. Denver will be grateful to have their top receiver available for a key battle against the division-leading Chiefs, but it's also worth acknowledging that Waddle has been quite disappointing during his first year with the Broncos. Despite optimism that playing in a potent offense would unlock his true potential, Waddle ranks as the overall WR36 in PPR leagues with a modest 26 catches, 276 yards, and one touchdown through seven games. Managers should temper expectations for Week 1; the last time Waddle played against the Chiefs, he caught just one pass for two yards.
Nov 1, 2026 3:29 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Is a Risky Flex After Limited Practice Week
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) is questionable for Sunday's Week 8 home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs after missing Wednesday's practice and remaining limited Thursday and Friday. Even if active, he belongs in the deeper-league flex range, with RotoBaller ranking him WR46 this week. Waddle leads Denver with 45 targets, 26 catches and 276 receiving yards, but half of that yardage came in his 138-yard Week 2 performance. He caught four of seven targets for 48 yards before leaving the Arizona game last week. Kansas City's secondary has its own concerns: Mansoor Delane (shoulder) missed Friday's practice and L'Jarius Sneed (knee) was limited, with both questionable. That could make the matchup less demanding, though Denver's passing efficiency remains a separate obstacle with Bo Nix averaging 5.8 yards per attempt. RJ Harvey, second on the team with 25 receptions, is out. Waddle has an opportunity to command a larger share of the passing game, but his limited practice week makes him difficult to trust over a healthy receiver with comparable volume.
Oct 31, 2026 6:48 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Officially Questionable for Week 8
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) is officially listed as questionable for Week 8 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday after aggravating a chest injury in the team's Week 7 win over the Arizona Cardinals, according to DNVR Sports' Zac Stevens. Waddle did not practice on Wednesday before being limited in the final two practices of the week on Thursday and Friday. The 27-year-old should have a good chance to play this weekend, but fantasy managers could have a tough decision on their hands if he ends up being a game-time decision in the later window on Sunday in Denver. Waddle's injury gives his fantasy managers a good reason to bench him, though. He has been one of the bigger disappointments at the WR position in fantasy so far through seven weeks, catching 26 of his 45 targets for 276 yards and one touchdown. The majority of his production came in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he caught eight of 10 targets for 138 yards. Amidst his questionable tag, Waddle has become a hard-to-trust WR4/flex in fantasy lineups going into Week 8.
Oct 30, 2026 2:07 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Returns to Limited Practice on Thursday
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) was back on the practice field on Thursday and was listed as a limited participant, according to Aric DiLalla of the team's official website. Waddle aggravated a chest injury that he dealt with in training camp this summer in the fourth quarter of the team's Week 7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, and the 27-year-old did not practice with the team on Wednesday. His return to practice on Thursday is a good sign, but Waddle could still be up in the air to play this Sunday in a big divisional matchup at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. If Waddle is limited at all or inactive this weekend, it would open the door for all of Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and Troy Franklin to have bigger roles in a Broncos' passing attack that has yet to get going so far in 2026. Waddle has been one of the biggest receiver busts in fantasy himself in his first seven games for Denver, catching 26 passes for 276 yards and one touchdown, with most of that production coming in a Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he caught eight of 10 targets for 138 yards.
Oct 29, 2026 2:03 PM EST
No Practice for Jaylen Waddle on Wednesday
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) did not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Waddle's disappointing first season with the Broncos continued in the Week 7 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday with four catches for 48 yards on seven targets, and now he is dealing with an injury and is questionable for this Sunday's clash against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. The 27-year-old was present during the portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday, but he went down as a non-participant on the final report. The Broncos are not ruling him out for Week 8, but Waddle will need to return to the practice field by Friday to have a shot at suiting up against the Chiefs. Waddle had just one catch on three targets for two yards in the Week 1 loss to the Chiefs, and outside of his 138-yard game in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, he has barely done anything for fantasy managers. With Pat Bryant (ankle) still on Injured Reserve, Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr. would serve as Denver's top three wideouts if Waddle is ruled out this weekend. Waddle enters Week 8 as the WR42 in half-PPR scoring with 26 catches for 276 yards and one touchdown through seven weeks in 2026.
Oct 28, 2026 5:42 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Trending Toward Questionable Status, With Hope for Sunday
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) aggravated his existing injury near his left shoulder on a botched reverse against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7, getting tackled for a 12-yard loss. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport previously reported that Waddle's availability will depend on his practice participation ahead of Week 8, and Denver has not yet issued an official game designation. Even if cleared, he carries additional fantasy risk after failing to exceed 48 receiving yards in any of his five games since Week 2. He is expected to be listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Mike Klis of 9News, but there remains hope he will play.
Oct 28, 2026 7:58 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle's Chest Injury Flares Up Again Before Week 8
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) is once again facing uncertainty over his availability for Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs, which will depend on how he progresses in practice, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. That makes his practice participation particularly important for Week 8 fantasy lineup decisions. The veteran had already been dealing with chest discomfort, practicing on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday before upgrading to full participation Friday, and he entered Sunday's 30-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals without an injury designation before aggravating the existing injury. The setback came while he was attempting to recover a mishandled pitch on a fourth-quarter reverse, and he eventually headed to the locker room without returning. He finished the game with four receptions for 48 yards on seven targets.
Oct 28, 2026 6:12 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Held in Check by Cardinals, Suffers Chest Injury
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) caught four of his seven targets for 48 yards during Sunday's Week 7 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Waddle totaled 8.8 PPR points in the effort, which is his third-highest fantasy output of the season. It has been a rough start to the season for Waddle from a fantasy perspective, as he ranks outside the top 36 wide receivers in scoring so far. Denver has prioritized running the ball this season, leaving fewer opportunities for the team's wide receivers and tight ends. In fact, even as Bo Nix had a solid game on Sunday, he still completed a modest 15 passes for 222 yards, and four of those completions went to running backs. It's also worth noting that Waddle picked up an ailment on Sunday, as he reportedly injured his chest in the fourth quarter and was quickly listed as questionable to return. At this point, it's too early to tell whether the injury will impact his availability for Week 8 against the Chiefs. Next week's divisional matchup could prompt the Broncos to throw the ball more, but it's also worth noting that Waddle was held to just one catch in his last game against Kansas City (Week 1).
Oct 25, 2026 4:28 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Heads to Locker Room With Chest Injury
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) is questionable to return to Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals after heading to the locker room for further evaluation, which could open additional opportunities for Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. in Denver's passing attack. Waddle was seen walking off the field in discomfort while gingerly moving his left hand before spending several minutes in the blue medical tent, and he subsequently accompanied team medical personnel to the locker room. The 27-year-old entered Sunday's contest without an injury designation after dealing with a chest injury during Week 7, although it remains unclear whether the latest issue is related.
Oct 25, 2026 3:22 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle a Borderline Week 7 Start Against Vulnerable Cardinals
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is a borderline WR3/flex start against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7, with a favorable matchup offsetting some concerns surrounding Denver's passing game. Waddle (chest) practiced fully Friday and carries no game designation, so production, not availability, is the primary concern. He has drawn 25 targets over his last four games but converted them into only 13 receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. His 138-yard performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 accounts for more than half of his 228 receiving yards on the season, and he managed just 24 yards on seven targets against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6. Denver ranks 30th in passing yards per game (174.8), helping explain why his involvement has yielded so little fantasy production. Arizona has allowed an NFL-high 16 passing touchdowns through six games and could be without questionable cornerback Max Melton (knee).
Oct 25, 2026 8:50 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Cleared for Week 7 After Chest Injury
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) is cleared for Sunday's road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, but he is a risky WR3/flex. He practiced fully Friday and has no game designation, yet he has finished below 40 receiving yards in four consecutive games, most recently catching four passes for 24 yards against the Seattle Seahawks. Waddle has 22 receptions for 228 yards and a touchdown this season, with 138 of those yards coming against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Arizona is dealing with injuries to Budda Baker (groin/illness) and Max Melton (knee), both questionable, which gives him a more favorable setting for a rebound.
Oct 24, 2026 7:21 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Dealing With Chest Injury, Limited on Wednesday
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest) is on the team's Week 7 injury report and was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. A shoulder injury caused Waddle to leave last Thursday's win over the Seattle Seahawks briefly before eventually returning to the contest, but now he is dealing with a chest injury. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the 27-year-old's status over the next couple of days, but as of right now, it does not seem like an injury serious enough to sideline him for Denver's Week 7 game on the road against the Arizona Cardinals. With that said, Waddle has been one of the biggest disappointments of the year so far in fantasy in his first year with the Broncos. The former sixth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2021 from Alabama just has not clicked with struggling quarterback Bo Nix, and he has brought down 22 catches for only 228 yards and one touchdown in his first six games with the team. Waddle has gone over 35 receiving yards just once, when he had 138 yards on eight catches in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has fallen into WR3/flex territory until Denver's offense can wake up.
Oct 21, 2026 4:45 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle a Non-Factor Once Again in Week 6
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught four of seven passes for 24 yards in the 17-14 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Once again, Waddle delivered a lackluster effort and is on pace for his worst statistical season. In six games, Waddle has caught 22 of 38 targets for 228 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.4 half-PPR fantasy points per game. After changing play-callers in Week 5, from offensive coordinator Davis Webb to head coach Sean Payton, many hoped Waddle would become a more prominent focal point of the offense. However, his production has only declined. With quarterback Bo Nix producing as one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL, Waddle hasn't been a reliable fantasy option. Until Nix finds a rhythm or Payton finds ways to get him the ball, Waddle should not be in starting lineups moving forward.
Oct 16, 2026 6:09 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Struggling to Get Going
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has had a slow start to the season, which included a five-reception, 19-yard performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. Waddle has just 18 receptions for 204 yards and one touchdown through the first five games of the season. If it weren't for an eight-reception, 138-yard effort in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, his statistics would be among some of the least productive wide receivers in the NFL. Waddle is RotoBaller's 29th-ranked wide receiver entering Week 6, when he is projected to score nine fantasy points against a Seattle Seahawks defense that allowed San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans to go off for seven receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown last week.
Oct 14, 2026 11:58 AM EST
Jaylen Waddle Doesn't Make an Impact Versus Chargers
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle had limited impact in a 23-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. Waddle recorded just two receptions (on five targets) for 19 yards. He added one rush for six yards. Waddle was on the field for 40 offensive snaps, but on a day when quarterback Bo Nix threw for only 123 yards, there weren't many opportunities in the passing game. Tight end Evan Engram led the Broncos with four receptions for 55 yards, while wide receiver Courtland Sutton caught Nix's only touchdown pass on Sunday. This is the third time in the first five games of 2026 that Waddle recorded two receptions or fewer, and he has recorded 35 receiving yards or fewer in four out of five games this season. His usage is something to monitor moving forward.
Oct 11, 2026 3:54 PM EST
Jaylen Waddle Facing Hot Chargers Pass Defense
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle's up-and-down season continued in Week 4, when he finished a loss to the San Francisco 49ers with a solid day consisting of five receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown. It was nowhere near his breakout Week 2 performance. Still, it was a solid bounce-back effort after a slow Week 3. Now, Waddle will go up against a hot Los Angeles Chargers pass defense, which did a nice job limiting 2025 Offensive Player of the Year, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, to just five receptions for 76 yards while holding him out of the end zone this past week. Waddle is RotoBaller's 21st-ranked wide receiver and is projected to score 11 fantasy points against the Chargers in Week 5.
Oct 10, 2026 5:43 AM EST
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
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