Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey began his first full week of rehab Monday. Three days after the star defender underwent surgery to repair a damaged meniscus, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided a Ramsey injury update.
Jalen Ramsey Injury Update, July 31
McDaniel said that he spoke to a “drowsy” Ramsey after the surgery.
“He was in good spirits, and, you know, I think the surgery went about as well as it could have,” McDaniel continued. “So, we’re elated about that. And, you know, in terms of where his mindset is at. He’s a self-proclaimed alien, and you know he couldn’t have a better mindset with which to attack this process.
“He’s immediately, ‘Tell me whatever the timeline is, that I’m gonna beat it by a month. What I like about that is, thankfully, we have a training staff that really does a good job of protecting players against themselves. So I know that he won’t be rushed.”
McDaniel also said that doctors discovered no unexpected additional damage when they opened up Ramsey’s knee.
What Is Jalen Ramsey’s Injury?
Ramsey injured his left meniscus during an 11-on-11 drill last Thursday. It was a non-contact injury suffered while he covered wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
The team’s medical staff sent Ramsey for an MRI, and the test revealed damage to the cartilage.
Surgery revealed that Ramsey needed a full repair that will keep him out at least four months, and not a shave, which would have had a return to play of six to eight weeks.
Ramsey provided an early update on his rehab process on Twitter Sunday.
“Finding out quick through this new journey, some days are jus simply easier than others & some are harder than others…
Wish I could practice out there wit the guys for the fans today 😔
“Jus gotta keep goin tho! No excuses, no soft shit! Jus WORK! Let’s go!
“I’m up 2 on rehab.”
What Are Miami Dolphins’ Options While Ramsey is Out?
Even with Ramsey out, the Dolphins don’t lack for cornerbacks.
Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou were going to play big snaps even before Ramsey’s injury, but now Noah Igbinoghene and Cam Smith can expect a larger role, particularly until Nik Needham returns.
And don’t count out Eli Apple — who signed with the team over the weekend — from being a big part of the conversation too.
“I just want to come in here and do anything I can to make the team better and compete,” Apple said Sunday.
Added McDaniel:
“I know one thing: When Jalen is back on the field this year, he’s going to be 100% Jalen Ramsey. So I’m, I’m fired up about that. As a team, we make sure that the team he comes back to does everything they can to be the best version of themselves.”