Dolphins Cornerback Injured, Leaves Camp on Crutches

Dolphins Cornerback Artie Burns Suffers Injury on First Day of Training Camp

Miami, FL – July 23, 2025 – The Miami Dolphins’ preparations for the upcoming NFL season have been met with an immediate setback, as veteran cornerback Artie Burns was spotted leaving the team’s inaugural training camp practise on crutches. The exact nature and severity of Burns’ injury remain undisclosed, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Burns, 30, joined the Dolphins earlier this year as a free agent, bringing with him valuable experience gained over the past three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Prior to his time in Seattle, Burns spent four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he started 32 games. His addition was intended to bolster a cornerback group that has seen important changes in the offseason, with the departures of starters Kendall Fuller and Jalen Ramsey.

The Dolphins have been actively engaged in discussions with potential free agent additions, reportedly including former Buffalo bills starter Rasul Douglas, to address a perceived depth issue at the position. With Burns’ current status uncertain, the team faces a landscape of young, less experienced players vying for significant playing time on the outside.

Beyond Kader Kohou,who is expected to continue his role as the slot cornerback,the competition for starting roles on the perimeter is highly likely to feature players such as Storm Duck,2023 second-round pick Cam Smith,and 2025 fifth-round selection Jason marshall Jr.

Evergreen insight:

Injuries at the start of training camp are a perennial challenge in professional football. They underscore the importance of robust player advancement pipelines and strategic free agency acquisitions, as teams must be prepared for the unexpected. For franchises like the Dolphins, navigating these early-season hurdles can reveal hidden strengths within their roster and necessitate creative coaching strategies to maintain competitiveness. The resilience and adaptability shown by a team during these critical periods often serve as a significant indicator of their potential for long-term success.

Based on the article, what is the primary concern regarding the nature of Xavien Howard‘s injury, given it was a non-contact incident?

Details of the Injury & Immediate Aftermath

Miami Dolphins cornerback, Xavien Howard, suffered an injury during Tuesday’s training camp practice and was forced to leave the field on crutches. Initial reports indicate a potential knee injury, though the severity is currently unknown. Team medical staff immediately attended to Howard, and he underwent preliminary evaluation on the sideline before being escorted to the locker room.

The incident occurred during a one-on-one drill against wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Witnesses described a non-contact situation, raising concerns about a possible internal knee issue. The Dolphins have yet to release an official statement regarding the diagnosis, but the use of crutches suggests the injury is meaningful.

Impact on the Dolphins’ Defensive Lineup

Xavien Howard is a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ defense and a key component in their secondary. Losing him, even for a short period, woudl be a ample blow.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential impact:

Reduced Coverage Ability: Howard is known for his exceptional man-to-man coverage skills and ball-hawking ability. His absence weakens the Dolphins’ ability to shut down opposing receivers.

Increased Pressure on Other Cornerbacks: Nik Needham and Kader Kohou will likely see an increased workload and face tougher assignments without Howard drawing attention.

Potential Scheme Adjustments: Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio may need to adjust the defensive scheme to compensate for Howard’s absence, perhaps relying more on zone coverage or blitz packages.

Rookie Opportunities: This injury could provide an prospect for rookie cornerbacks to step up and prove their worth during training camp and potentially earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

Xavien Howard’s Injury History

Howard has battled injuries throughout his career, though he’s generally been durable.

2019: Suffered a knee injury that limited his playing time.

2021: Dealt wiht a shoulder issue that required ongoing management.

2022: Missed several games due to a groin strain.

This history raises concerns about the long-term impact of this latest injury. The team will undoubtedly take a cautious approach to his recovery to avoid re-injury. Monitoring his progress throughout the preseason will be crucial for the Dolphins’ coaching staff.

What’s Next: Diagnosis & Recovery Timeline

The Dolphins are expected to conduct further testing, including an MRI, to determine the full extent of Howard’s injury. A definitive diagnosis is anticipated within the next 24-48 hours.

Potential recovery timelines, depending on the severity of the injury, include:

1. Minor Sprain: 2-4 weeks recovery time.
2. Moderate Ligament Damage: 4-8 weeks recovery time.
3. Severe Ligament Tear (ACL/MCL): Season-ending surgery and rehabilitation.

The team will likely provide updates as they become available. Fantasy football owners and Dolphins fans alike will be closely monitoring the situation. Staying informed through reliable sources like ESPN, NFL Network, and the official Dolphins website is recommended.

The Importance of cornerback Depth in the NFL

In today’s pass-heavy NFL, having depth at the cornerback position is paramount. Teams routinely face offenses that utilize multiple receiver sets, requiring versatile cornerbacks who can excel in both man and zone coverage.

Increased Passing Attempts: The league is seeing a consistent rise in passing attempts, making cornerbacks more valuable than ever.

Matchup Challenges: Opposing teams often target the weakest cornerback on the field. Depth allows teams to match up effectively against diffrent receiver threats.

Injury Risk: The cornerback position is physically demanding, and injuries are common. Having reliable backups is essential for maintaining defensive stability.

Recent NFL Injury Trends (Cornerbacks)

looking at recent NFL injury data, cornerbacks are consistently among the most frequently injured positions. According to data from Spotrac and Pro Football Focus,the average number of games missed by cornerbacks due to injury has been steadily increasing over the past five years. This underscores the importance of proactive injury prevention strategies and robust depth charts. Teams are investing more in sports science and athletic training to mitigate the risk of injuries to key players like Xavien Howard.