Dolphins Cornerback Artie Burns Suffers ACL Tear

Dolphins Cornerback Artie Burns suffers Season-Ending ACL Tear ahead of 2025 Campaign

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins have suffered a important blow to their secondary, as cornerback Artie burns is reportedly out for the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL. The injury occurred on the opening day of the team’s training camp, according to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

an MRI confirmed the severity of the injury sustained by Burns shortly after practise began on Wednesday.The cornerback went down during position drills after tangling with a teammate, reportedly slamming his helmet in frustration. He was later observed leaving the field on crutches, signaling a grim prognosis.

Burns, who joined the dolphins this offseason on a one-year contract, was expected to compete for a starting role in a cornerback group already facing depth concerns.His previous three seasons were spent with the Seattle Seahawks.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed confidence in the team’s current cornerback unit on Wednesday, while acknowledging the ongoing pursuit of enhancement. “If you have youth at a position that’s developing and you’re developing it and you have confidence in it, you’re going to have confidence in it before the people that haven’t seen it do,” McDaniel stated. “So,we’re confident in the group.That being said, not closing the door for anything. There’s multiple players we talk about each and every day, but we’re also very excited with some guys that have a lot to prove and know that and are excited about the possibility.”

In response to Burns’ injury, the Dolphins moved quickly to bolster their defensive backfield, signing veteran cornerback Cornell Armstrong. Armstrong, originally a sixth-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2018, was not on an NFL roster last season but spent time on the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad in 2023.

Evergreen Insights:

The injury to artie Burns serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in professional football and the critical importance of depth at every position. For teams like the Dolphins, who may be young or developing at a particular position, the loss of a key player can significantly alter their season outlook. This situation underscores the value of proactive roster management, including the signing of experienced free agents or the strategic development of younger talent, to mitigate the impact of unforeseen circumstances.

Furthermore,the swift signing of Cornell armstrong highlights a common NFL strategy: leveraging players familiar with a team’s system or who have prior experience in the league. Even if not a primary starter, such players can provide valuable depth, mentorship, and situational play, allowing a team to remain competitive through adversity. This approach is especially crucial in the offseason and training camp when roster decisions are fluid and player availability can change rapidly. The ability of a team to adapt to injuries and pivot its strategy is often a key determinant of its long-term success.

How will Artie Burns’ ACL tear impact the Miami Dolphins’ cornerback depth and overall defensive strategy for the 2025-2026 season?

Impact on the Miami Dolphins Defense

The Miami Dolphins received a meaningful blow to their secondary today, July 24, 2025, with the news that cornerback Artie Burns suffered a torn ACL during training camp. This injury throws the Dolphins’ defensive plans into question as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. The severity of an ACL tear typically requires surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, sidelining Burns for the majority, if not all, of the 2025-2026 season.

Details of the Injury & Initial Reports

Reports indicate the injury occurred during a non-contact drill.While the exact mechanism isn’t fully detailed, ACL tears frequently enough happen during sudden stops, changes in direction, or landing awkwardly.Initial evaluations confirmed the tear, and an MRI scan provided definitive confirmation. The team has yet to announce a timeline for surgery, but recovery from an ACL reconstruction generally takes 9-12 months.

Date of Injury: July 24, 2025

Type of Injury: ACL Tear (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)

Location: Training Camp

Mechanism: Non-contact (details still emerging)

Artie Burns’ Role and Career Overview

Artie Burns, a former first-round pick (25th overall in 2016 by the Pittsburgh steelers), was brought to Miami in the offseason as a veteran presence and potential starter at cornerback. He was expected to compete for playing time and provide depth in a crucial position.

Here’s a speedy look at his career highlights:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (2016-2019): Showed promise early in his career, recording multiple interceptions and becoming a key part of the Steelers’ defense.
2. Phoenix Cardinals (2020): Played a single season with the Cardinals.
3. Chicago Bears (2021): Briefly with the Bears.
4. Los Angeles Rams (2022-2023): Contributed as a rotational cornerback and special teams player, even winning a Super Bowl ring with the Rams in Super Bowl LVI.
5. Miami Dolphins (2024-Present): Signed by the Dolphins to bolster their cornerback depth.

His experience and versatility were valued by the Dolphins coaching staff,making this injury especially impactful. the loss of Burns substantially weakens the Dolphins’ cornerback room, especially considering the importance of pass coverage in today’s NFL.

Implications for the Dolphins’ Secondary

The Dolphins now face a critical need to address the cornerback position. Several options are available, but each comes with its own challenges.

Internal Candidates: Players like Kader Kohou and Elijah Campbell will likely see increased playing time and obligation. The team will need to evaluate their readiness for a larger role.

Free Agency: The Dolphins could explore signing a veteran cornerback available on the free agent market. Though, the pickings might potentially be slim this late in the offseason.Potential free agent targets could include players like Kevin King or Bashaud Breeland, depending on their availability and fit.

NFL Draft: While the draft has passed, the team could consider trades to acquire a cornerback from another team.

Scheme Adjustments: Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio may need to adjust his defensive scheme to compensate for the loss of Burns’ skillset. This could involve more zone coverage or relying more heavily on safety help.

ACL Injury Recovery: What to Expect

An ACL tear is a serious injury requiring a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Here’s a general overview of the recovery process:

Phase 1 (0-2 weeks): Focuses on reducing pain and swelling, regaining range of motion, and initiating muscle activation.

phase 2 (2-6 weeks): Continued range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises (quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes), and proprioceptive training (balance and coordination).

Phase 3 (6-12 weeks): Progressive strengthening, agility drills, and introduction to sport-specific movements.

Phase 4 (3-6 months): Continued strengthening and agility work, with a gradual return to running and cutting.

Phase 5 (6-9 months): Full-speed running, cutting, and sport-specific drills.

Return to Play (9-12+ months): gradual return to practice and,ultimately,game action.

accomplished recovery requires dedication, patience, and adherence to a structured rehabilitation program guided by medical professionals. The Dolphins’ medical staff will work closely with Artie Burns throughout his recovery to ensure a safe and effective return to the field.

Case Study: successful ACL Recoveries in the NFL

Several NFL players have successfully returned from ACL tears to have productive careers.

* Aaron Rodgers (QB, New York Jets): Recovered from a torn ACL suffered in 2023 and is expected to return to play in the 2024 season.