Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins will return to practice for the first time since sustaining a torn meniscus in his knee during training camp in July.
When speaking to the media on Wednesday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the great cornerback’s comeback. Ramsey’s comeback was first reported by NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, who noted that he will not play Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, but that by returning to practice, the Dolphins will have a 21-day window to activate him from injured reserve.
Ramsey was acquired by the Dolphins from the Los Angeles Rams during the summer in exchange for a 2023 third-round selection pick and tight end Hunter Long.
Ramsey, who was chosen fifth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2016 NFL draft, has garnered six Pro Bowl honors, three first-team All-Pro nominations, and a Super Bowl ring in his seven-year career.
Ramsey helped the Rams win the Super Bowl in 2021 by starting 16 regular-season games and matching a career-high with four interceptions. L.A. struggled as a team last season, but Ramsey achieved career highs in all categories with 88 tackles, 18 passes defended, and four interceptions.
Despite having a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback on the roster in Xavien Howard, Miami moved for Ramsey throughout the offseason with the aim of becoming the best cornerback combo in the NFL.
While the Dolphins have yet to witness what Ramsey can accomplish in a game, they are off to a 5-1 start, which ties them for the best record in the NFL.
During Ramsey’s absence, Howard has been the undisputed No. 1 cornerback, with undrafted second-year player Kader Kohou starting all six games.
The 5’10” Kohou, who has failed to record an interception this season, is perhaps better suited for a nickel role, so Ramsey’s return could help him succeed.
Aside from their only loss to the 4-2 Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins have had an easy schedule so far this season, but it is about to get rougher.
After beating the 5-1 Eagles on Sunday, the Dolphins will travel to Frankfurt, Germany, to face the 5-1 Kansas City Chiefs two weeks later.
Although Ramsey will not be available this week, the Dolphins’ game against the Chiefs could be an ideal target date for his comeback, especially given the Dolphins would benefit from having their full complement of stars in the secondary against future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The Dolphins already boast one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, headed by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, running back Raheem Mostert, and wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but Ramsey’s eventual return might help Miami become a more balanced club.
