Dolphins’ Receiver Corps in Turmoil as Injuries Pile Up: Schwartz Suffers Major Setback in Preseason
The Miami Dolphins’ wide receiver corps, already plagued by injuries, suffered another significant blow on Friday night. During the Dolphins’ 24-14 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, receiver Anthony Schwartz sustained what is believed to be a ligament tear in his left knee, according to a source. Schwartz, a former standout at American Heritage and a 2021 third-round pick out of Auburn, has struggled to establish himself in the NFL.
This injury occurred during his first preseason appearance of 2024, after he had been sidelined for the previous two games due to medical reasons. In the game, Schwartz recorded two receptions for 24 yards before being forced out with the injury. His season is likely over, with surgery on the horizon that could result in him being placed on injured reserve or waived with an injury settlement.
The wide receiver position has been hit hardest by injuries for the Dolphins this training camp. Star receivers Tyreek Hill (wrist) and Jaylen Waddle (soft tissue) have been limited, though they are expected to be fully ready for the season opener on September 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, the status of several other receivers is uncertain. Odell Beckham Jr., who joined the Dolphins already dealing with an injury, has been on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since camp began and is likely to start the season on the reserve-PUP list, sidelining him for at least four games. River Cracraft is also expected to start the season on injured reserve after suffering an injury in the preseason win against the Washington Commanders.
Erik Ezukanma, who missed two of the three preseason games due to injuries, could also be in doubt for the opener after injuring his left foot during a joint practice with the Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Braylon Sanders was held out of Friday night’s game with an undisclosed injury.
With the regular season fast approaching and the Dolphins needing to trim their roster from 90 to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m., the team’s decision-makers face tough choices. Aside from Hill and Waddle, Braxton Berrios is the only other experienced veteran receiver on the roster.
Rookie Malik Washington has also positioned himself as a contender for a spot on the 53-man roster. The Dolphins are expected to keep five or six receivers on the active roster, with another two likely headed to the practice squad. However, the ongoing injury concerns may prompt Miami to search the waiver wire for additional playmakers to bolster their depleted receiver unit.