Miami Dolphins fans are holding their breath after veteran cornerback Artie Burns was carted off the field during the first training camp practice. According to reports, Burns left the practice on crutches, and initial fears point to a possible torn ACL. The team is awaiting MRI results to confirm the severity of the injury.
The injury occurred during a seemingly routine back-pedal drill in warmups when Burns collided with another player. The potential loss of Burns is a significant blow to the Dolphins, who are already thin at the cornerback position.
Burns, 30, joined the Dolphins as a free agent this year after a three-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks. He was expected to compete for a significant role in the Dolphins' defense, especially after the departures of Kendall Fuller and Jalen Ramsey during the offseason. The team is currently evaluating free agent options, including Rasul Douglas, but relies heavily on young and inexperienced players at the cornerback position.
A former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016, Burns brings valuable NFL experience to the Dolphins. During his time with the Steelers, he started 32 games. He later played for the Chicago Bears and then the Seahawks, where he appeared in 21 games over three seasons, starting one. In 2024, Burns played four games for Seattle, recording four tackles and three pass defenses.
With Burns potentially sidelined, the Dolphins will need to rely on players like Kader Kohou, expected to remain in his slot corner role, and younger talents such as Storm Duck, Cam Smith (a 2023 second-round pick), and Jason Marshall Jr. (a 2025 fifth-rounder) to step up.
What's Next for the Dolphins?
The Dolphins will be closely monitoring the results of Burns' MRI. A confirmed ACL tear would likely sideline him for the entire season, forcing the team to explore other options at cornerback. The team may accelerate its pursuit of free agents or look to develop its younger players more quickly. The coming days will be crucial in determining how the Dolphins address this setback.