Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins star to miss start of season after knee surgery

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 7/28/23

The Miami Dolphins acquired star cornerback Jalen Ramsey in the hopes that he can be a game-changer in their secondary. They will have to wait quite a while before they get to see what he can do.

Ramsey was injured in practice on Thursday and will require knee surgery to repair his meniscus.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Ramsey is expected to miss six to eight weeks as doctors will determine whether to remove his meniscus or repair it. Repairing it would result in a significantly longer recovery time.

Ramsey is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the past six seasons, along with being a three-time first-team All-Pro.

The Dolphins acquired Ramsey from the Los Angeles Rams in March for a third-round draft pick and tight end Hunter Long. It looked like a steal of a trade for the Dolphins given how dominant Ramsey has been over the first seven years of his career with the Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars.

On one hand, it is at least promising news that Ramsey is not expected to miss the entire season.

He tweeted on Thursday evening that he will be back on the field in due time.

I’ll be back on that field stronger than ever… in due time! This SO minor for God’s child! I trust fully & know He got me! Im forever grateful to worship His name! I know my brothers gone hold it down until I’m back tho!

Appreciate the love & support!
Time to get right!
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) July 27, 2023

Despite that, it is still disappointing for the Dolphins to not have him for the start of the season, especially in a difficult AFC East with the Buffalo Bills and an improved New York Jets team competing at the top.

Miami opens the season by facing two of the league's top quarterbacks (Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers, as well as Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills) within the first four weeks of the season. Those were always going to be difficult matchups, and they get even tougher if Ramsey is not there for them.

The Dolphins ranked 27th in the NFL against the pass during the 2022 season, allowing more than 234 yards per game. They also intercepted just eight passes as a team. Ramsey figures to help both of those numbers when he is on the field.

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