Jalen Ramsey makes his Dolphins debut — but Miami is missing 2 starters. What to know
Jalen Ramsey was officially active and made his Miami Dolphins debut against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Ramsey, Miami’s top offseason addition and a three-time All-Pro selection, is back in the lineup three months after undergoing surgery to address a meniscus injury on the second day of training camp in late July. In his first game, he recorded an interception and forced a fumble that was negated by a holding penalty.
While Ramsey was back for Miami’s 31-17 win, the Dolphins were without a pair of starting defenders.
Corner Xavien Howard, who was listed as questionable because of a groin injury, was inactive. He joined safety Jevon Holland, who on Saturday was ruled out because of concussion protocol, as starters who were sidelined. It’s the second consecutive missed game for Howard.
Center Connor Williams, running back Raheem Mostert, fullback Alec Ingold and rookie cornerback Cam Smith, all of whom were listed as questionable, were active. Williams, however, did not start. After the game, McDaniel said Williams was sidelined as a “protective measure” to avoid reaggravating his injury but was available in case of emergency. Liam Eichenberg made his third consecutive start and fourth of the season at center.
Cornerback Nik Needham, who this week was activated to the 53-man roster, was also active and made his season debut. It was Needham’s first game since tearing his Achilles last October. He missed the first seven games of the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
Miami also deactivated the following players: quarterback Skylar Thompson (emergency QB), wide receiver Robbie Chosen and rookie defensive lineman Brandon Pili.
Jones injured late
Safety Brandon Jones left late in Sunday’s game to be evaluated for a concussion after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Jones jumped to try and intercept a fourth-down pass from quarterback Mac Jones when Smith hit Jones. Smith-Schuster was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and Jones walked into the locker room to be evaluated as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa took a knee to end the game.
This story was originally published October 29, 2023 at 11:40 AM.
