Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey carted to locker room after knee injury at training camp
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins’ second training camp session ended with some injury concern for their newest star player.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey suffered a left knee injury late during Thursday’s practice. He was carted to the locker room when practice ended.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Ramsey suffered a meniscus injury that will require surgery and keep the cornerback out at least six to eight weeks.
"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! I'm forever grateful to worship His name! I know my brothers gone hold it down until I’m back tho!" Ramsey wrote on social media. "Appreciate the love & support! Time to get right!"
Ramsey sustained the injury after contesting a pass to receiver Tyreek Hill during 11-on-11 play. He was able to slowly trot off the field under his own power to the sidelines, where he was evaluated by trainers on the furthest field away from the Dolphins' locker room.
“Everybody’s worried about him, but we’re not really sure what’s wrong,” Dolphins safety Jevon Holland said. “He’ll be alright.”
Ramsey, a Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, is due $55 million – including $35.5 million guaranteed – for the next three seasons in Miami. During his introductory news conference, Ramsey said he wanted to solidify a Hall of Fame berth during this phase of his career.
The Dolphins acquired Ramsey to bring his Super Bowl experience to a team looking to improve from its 9-8 record and wild-card playoff exit to the Buffalo Bills last season.
Ramsey has been paired with Miami’s other premier cornerback, Xavien Howard, in new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme, which he previously operated in with the Rams.
Behind an offense featuring quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Hill, and third-year receiver Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins are trying to make a deep playoff run in 2023.
“I know what’s needed to play this defense and be one of the best defenses in the league and be elite. And we got all the pieces – edge rushers to the secondary. We even got the linebackers and all that,” Ramsey said on Tuesday.
“Like I said, I don’t compare, but I look at other teams I’ve been a part of, and I feel like we, on paper, we stack up well. But the work comes first.”
The severity of Ramsey’s injury could cloud the Dolphins’ prospects.
Earlier during practice, Ramsey had a highlight pass breakup on Waddle, flashing his star power and bravado.
Ramsey was ranked as the No. 1 cornerback on "Madden 2023," with a 97 rating, a distinction he took pride in. He still believes he’s the best cornerback in the NFL, outside of video games.
“Well, I have been for many years in my career, so it’s very important to me,” Ramsey said.
“I think people get things confused sometimes when guys show an individual goal for themselves or have individual hype for themselves. But honestly, it’s like, why wouldn’t I, right? Why wouldn’t I want to be the very best, and me being the very best is going to also help the team be successful. So, I’m always going to strive to be the best. …
“You got to have that pride about yourself, especially playing this position. Like you got to have that ultra-confidence in yourself or it’s going to be over for you. So yeah, I’m going to always have pride in what I do.”