28 July 2023 , 22:28
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The Miami Dolphins' fears have materialised after star defensive back Jalen Ramsey underwent surgery to address a knee injury he sustained on the third day of training camp, and he will miss several months of action.
The 28-year-old, who was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams in March, went down with a non-contact injury at the team facility in Miami Gardens on Thursday. The incident occurred while he was guarding wide receiver Tyreek Hill on a pass play, sinking to the floor and being tended to for several minutes before being carted away.
Further assessments confirmed the three-time All-Pro cornerback had suffered a torn meniscus, which required an operation. Ramsey confirmed on Friday he had undergone surgery, and Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports the former Jacksonville Jaguars star is expected to be out of action until December.
"Surgery went well," Ramsey tweeted on Friday. "To my teammates and fans, thank you for the prayers and support! I promise I will attack this rehab and be back stronger than ever… this will just part of the greater story down the stretch! Adversity is opportunity! God is so great! Fins up!"
Ramsey was set to play a pivotal role in a new-look defense under Vic Fangio, with his physically-imposing style sure to be an asset to a unit that struggled last season. But the Dolphins will have to make do without him for the coming months.
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Head coach Mike McDaniel addressed the situation in his press conference on Friday, telling reporters he was inspired by Ramsey's reaction to the news. The former Florida State University star addressed his Dolphins teammates after his prognosis was confirmed on Thursday.
Jalen Ramsey was set to play a pivotal role for the Dolphins before his injury. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)"What was the most amazing thing about the whole thing was the way Jalen responded," said. "He spoke to the team yesterday and it really moved a lot of people.
"He first let everybody know how much he appreciated this team and how this team has accepted him and how he has been in the league for a little bit and how he knows that what we're doing here is special.
"One of the things that he said that was really cool for everybody was he told all of his teammates not to worry and not to feel sorry for him.
"Whatever timeline the doctors give him, he's going after that timeline and trying to flex that they'll beat it and that he realistically couldn't be more committed and excited to join the team again this year whenever that is."
The news is a significant blow to the Dolphins' hopes of making their way out of a highly competitive AFC East, with the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets expected to be in the playoff mix.
Ramsey is one of several major storylines to emerge from the first week of training camp, with Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow also suffering a significant injury.