Report: Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle aggravated chest injury, but could play Sunday

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle could play this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

That was the big headline on Wednesday morning, when NFL insider Ian Rapoport dropped this Waddle update after he was hurt late against the Cardinals.

#Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle, suffered an aggravation of his previous chest injury on the reverse last week and his status for Sunday vs the #Chiefs will be determined at a later time, sources say.

Waddle’s availability will be based on how practice goes. pic.twitter.com/OKC4BCVQLA

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2026

Obviously, an aggravation of a previous chest injury is never good, but it sounds like the Broncos dodged a bullet. Jaylen Waddle won’t miss significant time and may even suit up this weekend with first place in the AFC West on the line

9NEWS and 104.3 The Fan insider Mike Klis added that he expects Waddle to be listed as “questionable” to play against the Chiefs.

Up 30-16 late in the fourth quarter in Arizona, Broncos head coach Sean Payton called a trick play and pitch to Waddle. It didn’t work as Waddle was blasted by a Cardinals defender and then slow to leave the field.

After the game, Payton brought up his “awful” play-call unprompted and eventually exited the press conference in a huff. Clearly Payton was upset he put Waddle in harms way with a victory already in hand.

But Broncos Country has been waiting for some news on Waddle and this is positive overall. Denver will be back on the practice field later Wednesday and whether or not Waddle appears when the media is present will be closely monitored.

The team gave up a first-round pick (and more) to acquire Jaylen Waddle in the spring from the Dolphins. Through seven games he has 26 receptions for 267 yards, both of which lead Broncos pass-catchers.

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