Miami Dolphins All-Pro Cornerback Suffers Potentially Significant Injury

The Miami Dolphins' Super Bowl dreams may have just suffered a devastating blow. Recently acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey went down with an apparent leg injury at practice Thursday afternoon, and according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the three-time All-Pro may require a full meniscus repair that could cost him the majority of the 2023 regular season.

More info and clarity on #Dolphins star CB Jalen Ramsey: Sources say while no firm determination will be made until surgery, the likely outcome is a full meniscus repair, bringing Ramsey back in December if all goes well. The best and healthiest option. pic.twitter.com/rcQsbo3dtx

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2023

The Dolphins traded a 2023 third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Ramsey in March, but they may have to wait until at least December to see a return on that investment.

Ramsey was a Pro Bowler in 2022 and an All-Pro on the Rams' 2021 Super Bowl squad, so his absence will drastically reduce the ceiling of a Dolphins' team with Super Bowl aspirations in the highly competitive AFC East.

Ramsey is the second star cornerback in recent times to suffer an untimely and catastrophic injury for the Dolphins. Byron Jones underwent what appears to be career-ending Achilles surgery in July of last year, and his absence played a part in the Dolphins' defense falling from 16th in points allowed in 2021 to 24th in 2022.

Ultimately, it appears likely the Dolphins will have to rely on their offense yet again to carry them to the playoffs. Despite repeated absences from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, they finished sixth in yards gained and second in net passing yards per attempt last year. If they're lucky, Ramsey will be back in time for a successful postseason run.