2 min read • July 29, 2023
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In one of the first practices of training camp, the Miami Dolphins lost a key addition for likely the entire season.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, with a reported target return date sometime in December.
The Pro Football Docs assert that timeline is not accurate and he is likely to miss the entire season and potentially the beginning of the playoffs as well.
Given his position, returning from a significant knee injury adds another wrinkle to his timeline. On offense, a player can dictate where they are going while the defensive player has to react. That typically means defensive players have longer return timelines for knee injuries and will likely be the case for Ramsey.
In late August 2020, Chargers safety Derwin James suffered a torn meniscus that required a full repair. He was placed on IR and missed the entire 2020 season.
Former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is another adequate comparison, he suffered a torn meniscus in Week 2 of the 2016 season. Peterson was able to return Week 15, but had just 6 carries before picking up a groin injury that knocked him out of the last two games of the season.
If Ramsey can beat the timeline and return in December or January, he will also be at risk of soft-tissue injuries given the long absence.
Ramsey, who joined Miami in a trade from the Rams, was set to be a big part of the defense alongside Xavien Howard this season.
Now, the team will have to find another solution at the second cornerback position. Options include second-round pick Cam Smith, second-year cornerback Kader Kohou, Noah Igbinoghene and Nik Needham – who is working his way back from an Achilles tear last season.
In the first half of the season, the Dolphins face five teams who made the playoffs last season including the Chiefs and the Eagles.
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