Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle Has High-Ankle Sprain; Suffered Injury in Win vs. Cowboys

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered a high ankle sprain against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel revealed the news to reporters on Monday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

McDaniel also told reporters that Waddle will undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury.

Waddle's injury was initially reported as a shin ailment when it occurred on Sunday during the team's 22-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He left the game in the third quarter and did not return.

More clarity on Waddle's injury won't arrive until after he goes through further tests, but McDaniel is optimistic on a quicker return given Waddle's history to return quicker from previous ailments.

"It gives me optimism because of the individual and what he has gone through for sure," McDaniel told reporters.

"He's had other things that might take other players... take longer to come back from. I do have a lot of confidence in him in those situations. He's a really tough player, and has battled through some tough things."

The Dolphins certainly hope Waddle can return soon for multiple reasons.

For starters, he's an electric talent who has posted 72 catches for 1,014 yards and four scores this year, marking his third 1,000-yard season in as many years in the league.

Waddle just had his best game of the year on Dec. 17, when he paced the Fins with eight catches for 145 yards and a score in a 30-0 win over the New York Jets.

Secondly, the Dolphins have a crucial stretch up ahead against the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.

Miami and Baltimore are fighting for the AFC's No. 1 seed, and the winner of the Dolphins-Ravens game could end up getting it.

That game is on New Year's Eve. If the Dolphins lose and the Bills win, then Buffalo could jump over Miami for the AFC East crown with a victory on Jan. 7.

For now, though, it's a waiting game to see how Waddle is doing. If he must miss time, then the duo of Cedrick Wilson and Braxton Berrios could see more work.