Dolphins’ Waddle, Mostert return for playoffs, but contributions not enough in loss to Chiefs
The Dolphins got two of their top offensive players back for their wild card round game against the Chiefs in Kansas City on Saturday night.
It wasn’t enough to get the Dolphins their first playoff win in more than two decades.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back Raheem Mostert were active and started in the Dolphins’ 26-7 loss to the Chiefs after missing the last two games. Waddle was previously sidelined by a high ankle sprain, and Mostert was dealing with injuries to his knee and ankle.
Waddle caught two of five passes that came his way for 31 yards, while Mostert had eight carries for 33 yards.
Saturday marked the third consecutive game Miami failed to score at least 20 points after being the NFL’s top scoring offense all season.
“It was just us not making enough plays,” Mostert said. “It’s nice when you start out high and then all of a sudden it gets a little bit frigid in that aspect. But you’ve just gotta go back to the basics and figure out what the best game plan was. Unfortunately, we didn’t.”
While Waddle and Mostert returned to the lineup, Miami’s defense missed another defender.
Starting safety Jevon Holland was inactive. Holland, who did not practice this week and was listed as questionable to play, is out because of a lingering sprain in both of his MCLs. Holland’s absence leaves Miami without five starting defenders.
Safety DeShon Elliott, who did not practice this week and was listed as questionable because of a calf injury, was active and made nine tackles. But he aggravated the calf injury late in the third quarter and did not return to the game.
The Dolphins also made the following players inactive: cornerbacks Xavien Howard (foot) and Cam Smith, quarterback Skylar Thompson (emergency QB), wide receiver Robbie Chosen, offensive tackle Kion Smith and tight end Tyler Kroft.
Before the game, Miami elevated rookie cornerback Ethan Bonner and outside linebacker Malik Reed from the practice squad. Both players were active, with Bonner forcing a fumble late in the game.
This story was originally published January 13, 2024 at 6:46 PM.
