Just before this week's Thursday Night Football game, a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter indicated that cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who suffered a torn meniscus during training camp, will make his Miami Dolphins debut on Sunday.
But, no so fast, says the Pro Bowler.
Ramsey, in a thread of responses to Schefter on X, formerly Twitter, acknowledged he could play this week, but said the decision has yet to be made.
"Full transparency, there's a chance that I can play this Sunday, but that decision genuinely isn't made yet so that is news to me just like it is to y'all lol," Ramsey wrote. "I have to go through a whole process to feel great enough to play. I won't play if I feel any less than great."
The Dolphins traded a third-round draft pick and tight end Hunter Long to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for the three-time All-Pro in March. But Ramsey was carted off the practice field in late July with a knee injury he sustained while contesting a pass to wide receiver Tyreek Hill during 11-on-11 drills. The injury has kept the 29-year-old out of a Dolphins uniform nearly two months into the regular season.
But even if Ramsey doesn't play on Sunday against the New England Patriots, the Dolphins have reason to be optimistic about how the cornerback's recovery is going.
Ramsey Returning Way Ahead of Schedule
This is Ramsey's second week back at practice after the Dolphins opened his participation window off injured reserve on October 18.
Ramsey's return was a more-than-welcome sight for the Miami fans who thought they might not see the cornerback on the field for another month. The former Super Bowl champion underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee on July 28, per NFL Media, the day after he suffered the injury. Initial reports said that Ramsey was expected to be out until at least December.
So much for that timeline.
The cornerback, at least per his response to Schefter, could make his return to close out October, or at least be back on the field by the time the 2023 season reaches November.
"He had a really good week," Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said of Ramsey after practice this week. "Very impressive how he runs with our fast guys, how he transitions in and out of breaks with them. Some of them it was almost mirrored while our guys were running full speed. And for him to break down on a dime the way that they break down is very impressive. So, we're hopefully getting that guy wrenched up to go into the game or hopefully we get him back sometime soon."
Dolphins Smart to Play it Safe With Ramsey Injury
It would be tempting for the Dolphins to throw Ramsey back on the field as soon as possible.
Miami is 5-2 so far this season, though largely depends on an offense that stands atop the National Football League (NFL) in just about every category. The Dolphins' defense hasn't been so hot. Head coach Mike McDaniel brought in vaunted defensive coordinator Vic Fangio this offseason to address issues on that side of the ball that plagued Miami last season. And adding Ramsey to the defensive backfield was supposed to solve those problems, too.
But without the cornerback on the field, along with a variety of other defensive injuries, Miami is 27th in the NFL this season, allowing nearly 27 points per game. The Dolphins rank 20th in both passing yards and touchdowns allowed.
A certain 6-foot-1 defensive back would seemingly help turn things around. But there's no need to rush back a player who is already nearly a month ahead of schedule, McDaniel said.
"He'll have an uptick in his participation," McDaniel said of Ramsey to reporters this week. "He'll be getting some reps, not just on scout team, and we'll see how that manifests itself. It's been all positive so far, but you don't want to get ahead of yourself in that."
If Ramsey is only feeling good and not "great" this week, then perhaps the Dolphins would be wise to save him for next week's game against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Or worst case, keep him out the next two games and wait until after Miami's Week 10 bye to bring him back.
Either way, some defensive help is coming for Miami. And it is on its way soon.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Robert Read is a Sports Reporter at Newsweek based in Florida. He previously spent four years working at The Daily ... Read more
