Dolphins’ Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread: Waddle Day-to-Day, DuBose’s Recovery Encouraging, and Chubb’s Return Uncertain Ahead of 49ers Clash

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who exited Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans with a knee injury, appears to have avoided significant damage and will not require surgery. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the update on Monday, but Waddle’s availability for the upcoming home game against the San Francisco 49ers remains uncertain as he is considered “day-to-day.”

In addition, McDaniel provided an update on wide receiver Grant DuBose, who sustained a serious head injury in the same game following a helmet-to-helmet collision with Texans safety Calen Bullock. DuBose was hospitalized in Houston overnight, and while initial tests have shown encouraging results, including movement in all extremities, his condition continues to be monitored. McDaniel said there is no timeline for DuBose’s return to South Florida, but the team remains optimistic about his recovery.

On the defensive front, outside linebacker Bradley Chubb’s status for Sunday’s game is also unclear. Chubb, who suffered a severe knee injury against Baltimore on December 31, has yet to play this season but has been practicing on a limited basis. McDaniel stated that the decision regarding Chubb’s availability will not come until later in the week. Miami has until the Wednesday following the 49ers game to activate him if needed.

Addressing Miami’s struggling run game, McDaniel admitted the unit’s performance against Houston did not meet expectations. Despite last season’s league-best 5.0 yards per carry average, Miami’s rushing attack has regressed to 3.9 yards per carry this season, ranking second-to-last in the NFL. McDaniel emphasized that poor blocking played a major role in Sunday’s disappointing performance and acknowledged that the team must improve quickly.

The Dolphins also face lingering questions at the quarterback position. Skylar Thompson, released over the weekend to make room for DuBose, could return to Miami’s practice squad if he clears waivers. Meanwhile, Tyler Huntley remains the team’s backup quarterback for the time being.

With a 6-8 record, the Dolphins’ playoff hopes are slim but not impossible. Miami needs to win its remaining three games—against the 49ers, at Cleveland, and at the New York Jets—while relying on favorable outcomes in other matchups. Key scenarios include losses from the Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, and Denver Broncos, as the Dolphins would benefit from tiebreakers in most situations.

In a scheduling twist, the NFL has moved New England-Buffalo to the 4:25 p.m. slot, reducing the national audience for the Dolphins’ critical game against San Francisco. Jacksonville-Las Vegas will also air in parts of the country during that window. Miami’s Week 17 game against the Browns, originally slated for “Sunday Night Football,” is expected to be flexed out of prime time, though no official decision has been made. The Dolphins’ regular-season finale against the Jets will likely carry added weight, particularly if Miami remains in the hunt for a playoff spot.