Source: Dolphins lose another receiver to significant injury

The Miami Dolphins’ injury-decimated receiver unit keeps getting watered down, and might force the team’s decision makers to scavenge through the waiver wire to add playmakers.

The Dolphins lost another speedster on Friday night when receiver Anthony Schwartz suffered what a source said was a ligament tear in his left knee during Friday night’s 24-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Schwartz, a former American Heritage standout who has struggled to find his footing in the NFL since joining the league as a 2021 third-round pick from Auburn, suffered the injury in his first preseason game of 2024.

He had previously been held out of the two previously played preseason games for a medical reasons, and finished Friday night’s contest with two receptions for 24 yards.

Schwartz, who spent most of last season on the Dolphins’ practice squad, will likely require surgery that will either get him placed on injury reserve, or waived with an injury settlement.

Receiver has been the position hit by injury the most in Miami this training camp.

Tyreek Hill (wrist) and Jaylen Waddle (soft tissue) have been limited by minor injuries that they could have played through if this were the regular season. Both are expected to resume practicing when Miami begins preparation for the Sept. 8 season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

However, there’s a ton of uncertainty about a number of Miami’s other receivers.

Odell Beckham Jr. has been on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since training camp opened because of a pre-existing injury he joined the Dolphins with. Beckham will more than likely begin 2024 on the reserve-PUP list, which means he’ll miss at least the first four games.

On Friday, head coach Mike McDaniel said he was optimistic that Beckham would begin practicing soon.

River Cracraft suffered a undisclosed injury in Miami’s preason win against the Washington Commanders, and will likely begin 2024 on injured reserve.

Erik Ezukanma missed two of the three preseason games because of injuries. He suffered a left foot injury in last Wednesday’s joint practice against the Buccaneers, and was spotted with a walking boot on his left leg before the preseason finale. The specifics of his injury are unclear, but it could possibly impact his availability for the season opener.

Braylon Sanders was also held out of Friday night’s game because of an undislosed injury.

Besides Hill and Waddle, Braxton Berrios is the Dolphins’ only other experienced veteran receiver. Rookie Malik Washington also is positioned to make the 53-man roster.

The Dolphins must trim the training camp roster down from 90 to 53 players by 4 p.m. Tuesday, and expect Miami to reduce the receiver unit to five or six on the active roster, and another two on the practice squad.