Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey will be sidelined for at least half of the 2023 NFL season after suffering a knee injury during training camp on Thursday.
While covering Tyreek Hill in a drill, Ramsey suffered a knee injury that immediately required medical attention. Trainers helped him onto the cart, with one of the NFL Top 100 players in 2023 unable to move around without assistance.
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The Dolphins originally hoped that Ramsey would only require a clean-up surgery, sidelining him for the rest of training camp with an outside shot of returning in Week 1. However, further testing determined that Ramsey needs a more thorough procedure that will sideline him for months.
- Jalen Ramsey stats (2022): 18 pass deflections, four interceptions, 86.4 PFF grade
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Ramsey will undergo surgery to fully repair the torn meniscus in his knee. As a result, the All-Pro cornerback will be sidelined until December.
While it’s an immediate blow for Miami, the Dolphins do view it as a positive for Ramsey long-term. As noted by Rapoport, having the full meniscus repaired will likely lengthen Ramsey’s career.
- Jalen Ramsey contract: $2.932 million cap hit (2023), $27.267 million cap hit in 2024
However, the absence of the six-time Pro Bowl selection will have a tremendous impact on Miami defensively. Ramsey’s absence pushes Xavien Howard back into the role of No. 1 cornerback with rookie Cam Smith pushed into a starting role. In 654 coverage snaps last season, Howard allowed a 121.1 quarterback rating and 15.3 yards per catch, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Ramsey will open the season on long-term injured reserve, allowing Miami to bring him back later in the year. Sidelined until December, he will miss matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers (Week 1), Buffalo Bills (Week 4), Philadelphia Eagles (Week 7) and Kansas City Chiefs (Week 9).