Jalen Ramsey is anticipated to make his comeback this week, and the Miami Dolphins have consistently shown optimism regarding his recovery. Ramsey, a veteran cornerback, underwent what was initially reported as a full meniscus repair in late July. The Dolphins had initially hoped for a November return, but it now appears that he may exceed that optimistic timeline. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the All-Pro cornerback is likely to be back in action this Sunday against the Patriots.
Last Wednesday, the Dolphins surprised many by opening a 21-day practice window for Ramsey. By doing so, they took a risk, as there was a possibility of losing him to season-ending injured reserve if he couldn’t return within the specified time frame. While nothing is official yet, Ramsey’s remarkably speedy recovery seems to be nearing its conclusion.
Originally believed to be a displaced meniscus tear requiring a full repair, it was later determined to be an outer rim meniscal tear, which could be fixed with a trim. A full repair would have meant a recovery period of five to six months, while an outer rim tear, which receives better blood flow, can heal in approximately 12 weeks. This explains the shift from a late-season return prediction to the current situation.
It’s important to note that this expectation comes from the Dolphins, not Ramsey himself. Ramsey clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that while there’s a chance he may play this Sunday, the decision hasn’t been finalized. He emphasized that he will only play if he feels “great,” and anything less than that will keep him on the sidelines.
Ramsey’s hesitation to commit to a Week 8 return aligns with reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who suggests that the team is considering waiting until Miami’s bye week to bring him back. The Dolphins’ timing for his return designation allows him to wait until the team’s two-week break to officially return.
Without Ramsey, Miami had to make significant adjustments in the secondary. Kader Kohou and Xavien Howard have been filling in, but both have dealt with injuries. The addition of Ramsey would provide much-needed relief to the Miami cornerbacks group.
In summary, the outlook is increasingly positive for the Dolphins and Ramsey. It is highly likely that he will return by the end of the team’s bye week, and there is confidence that he might even play this weekend against their division rival.
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