The return of a star defensive player could supercharge the Miami Dolphins' Super Bowl chances.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported cornerback Jalen Ramsey is ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery and could return to practice this week.
Six-time Pro Bowl CB Jalen Ramsey is far ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery and could return to practice with the #Dolphins as soon as this week, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 15, 2023
They’ll ramp him up gradually. But Ramsey is on track for an early return. pic.twitter.com/MGs37sGKKv
Ramsey suffered a meniscus tear in July after Miami traded a third-round pick to acquire him. The six-time Pro Bowl CB was expected to return in December, but he rehabilitated rapidly. The next step is getting him involved in football activities again. Miami has 21 days to get Ramsey up to speed before moving him to the active roster.
While the Dolphins are 4-1 and have an offense that leads the NFL in points scored (36.2), their defense has left plenty to be desired. The unit ranks 26th in points (27) and 20th (237.4) in passing yards allowed (237.4) per game.
A player of Ramsey's caliber should help the Miami defense improve. In nine seasons, the 28-year-old has earned three First-Team All-Pro nods, and he won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams.
"I've been speaking with trainers a lot, the weight room guys, and he looks really good," Dolphins cornerback coach Sam Madison recently said of Ramsey, per Pro Football Talk. "Very hopeful and looking forward to getting him on the field. I've been watching this guy for a long time and finally had him in training camp. When he's ready and it's a go, he's definitely going to help us."
OddsChecker gives the Dolphins the fifth-best Super Bowl odds (+1100), behind AFC powerhouses such as the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. Even though Miami is a talented team, it might need one more player to catapult it to the next level. Ramsey could be that if he returns soon.
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