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Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey‘s return to game-action is approaching after Miami opened his 21-day practice window on Oct. 18.
Sources explained how Ramsey is so close to being back on the field after undergoing knee surgery to repair his meniscus in late July.
Contrary to the initial assumption that Ramsey had a displaced meniscus tear requiring a full repair, sources indicate this was not the case. Instead, Ramsey had an outer rim meniscal tear, which is significantly different from a displaced tear and can be fixed with a trim.
Expectations are high for players to completely recover from both injuries. However, it is plausible that doctors were more at ease not having to fix a displaced tear compared to a tear near the capsule. Typically, repair could take up to five or six months – this provides insight into the initial speculation that Ramsey might return in December.
However, the quicker healing time for an outer rim meniscal tear, due to its better blood flow, can sometimes be as short as 12 weeks. This is the stage where Ramsey currently is, post-surgery.
Ramsey has dedicated himself to the team that traded for him in a way few injured players do, according to his head coach.
“Throughout his lengthy rehab, he has never missed a team meeting or practice,” Mike McDaniel informed reporters this past week, regarding a guy he has been around.
Ramsey could frequently be found enthusiastically cheering on the sidelines like an active player.
When he’ll return is still a question. He’s ruled out for tonight’s game versus the Eagles, and there are two more games before the Dolphins’ bye in Week 10. McDaniel was asked if there is a chance Ramsey could return prior to the bye.
“On October 18, McDaniel communicated to reporters, “I believe it’s reasonable to acknowledge that there’s a possibility. However, I’m not going to pre-emptively declare things like the target date, which I didn’t disclose, because it’s uncertain. With such matters, it’s essential to approach them day by day, yet I would describe my outlook as cautiously positive.”
