The Miami Dolphins’ defense has not played to the level of their prolific offense so far this season, but the unit could be getting back star cornerback Jalen Ramsey within weeks based on an encouraging update given Thursday.
Dolphins cornerbacks coach Sam Madison was asked if Ramsey will be able to play in a game in November.
“Yeah, speaking with trainers, he looks really good,” Madison said.
The All-Pro has been out since injuring his knee in a practice very early in training camp. He is on injured reserve but is eligible to come off at any time. Once he does, the Dolphins will have 21 days to activate him.
“Very hopeful and looking forward to getting him on the field,” Madison said. “He’s been doing really good.”
The 28-year-old was acquired by the Dolphins in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams prior to the season. He has been publicly optimistic about his recovery since it began, but his desire to return faster than doctors think he might has not come to fruition.
Miami could use the help in the secondary and on defense in general. The Dolphins rank 21st in the NFL in passing yards allowed and 26th in points allowed per game with just two interceptions in their five contests.
With Ramsey absent, the Dolphins have been relying on Xavien Howard, Kader Kohou, Justin Bethel and Eli Apple at the cornerback position.
Despite the defensive struggles, the Dolphins have won four of five games to start the season and are heavy favorites against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. That’s because the Miami offense is off to a historic start, having gained more total yards in the first five games of a season than any team in NFL history.
Led by head coach Mike McDaniel, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins lead the league in total yards gained, rushing yards, passing yards and points per game.
The unit could even be adding some reinforcements with running back Jeff Wilson Jr. back at practice after starting the season on injured reserve and wide receiver Chase Claypool acclimating to his surroundings after being acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bears last Friday.
Ramsey would be an even more significant return on the defensive side of the ball, and it looks like that help may be coming in the near future.
