Source: Dolphins lose another receiver due to serious injury

The Miami Dolphins' injury-plagued receiver unit is getting weaker and could force the team's decision-makers to scour the waiver list to sign playmakers.

The Dolphins lost another speed player on Friday night when receiver Anthony Schwartz tore a ligament in his left knee during the 24-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday night, a source said.

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

He had already missed the two previous preseason games for medical reasons and finished the game on Friday evening with two pass catches for 24 yards.

Schwartz, who spent most of last season on the Dolphins' practice squad, will likely have to undergo surgery that will either place him on the injured list or keep him off injured reserve.

The receiver position was the one most affected by injuries during this training camp in Miami.

Tyreek Hill (wrist) and Jaylen Waddle (soft tissue) were limited by minor injuries that would have kept them out if this were the regular season. Both are expected to return to practice when Miami begins preparing for its season opener on Sept. 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

However, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding a number of other Miami receivers.

Odell Beckham Jr. has been on the physically unable to play list (PUP) since the start of training camp due to an injury sustained while joining the Dolphins. Beckham will most likely begin 2024 on the reserve PUP list, meaning he will miss at least the first four games.

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

River Cracraft suffered an unspecified injury in Miami's opening win over the Washington Commanders and is expected to begin 2024 on the injured list.

Erik Ezukanma missed two of the three preseason games due to injury. He injured his left foot during joint practice against the Buccaneers last Wednesday and was spotted wearing a walking boot on his left leg before the final preseason game. The details of his injury are unclear, but it could potentially affect his availability for the season opener.

Braylon Sanders was also unable to play in Friday night's game due to an unspecified injury.

Besides Hill and Waddle, Braxton Berrios is the Dolphins' only experienced receiver. Rookie Malik Washington also has a good chance of being included in the 53-man roster.

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