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The Miami Dolphins are expected to be without running back De’Von Achane and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in their Week 18 game against the New England Patriots. Achane had been listed as doubtful on the Friday injury report as he deals with a shoulder injury while Waddle was questionable with a ribs issue. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, both players are expected to be sidelined for today’s season finale.
Miami, 7-9 on the season, is playing out the end of their 2025 regular season schedule then heading into an offseason that will be filled with change after a disappointing year. They can still play spoilers today, however, as the Patriots need a win and some help to claim the top spot in the AFC playoff picture. Keeping their AFC East rivals from a bye and home-field advantage in the playoffs is a tough ask, and is even tougher if both Achane and Waddle are on the sideline.
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Achane leads the Dolphins with 1,838 scrimmage yards this season, with Waddle second at 938. Wide receiver Malik Washington is third with 399. The combined 2,776 yards from scrimmage for Achane and Waddle is nearly 54 percent of the team’s offense for the year. Achane has averaged 84.4 rushing yards per game this season while Waddle has averaged 56.9 receiving yards per game.
Miami is going to need more than just the “next man up” on Sunday if both Achane and Waddle have to sit. Tight ends Greg Dulcich and Julian Hill, running backs Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon, and wide receivers Theo Wease, Jr. and Cedrick Wilson, Jr., along with Washington, are all going to have to make major contributions for the Dolphins to compete.
Miami also elevated running back Jeff Wilson, Jr., from the practice squad for the third time this year and could look to rotate him into the ground game.
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