The Miami Dolphins' 2025 training camp opens with a devastating injury as CB Artie Burns is carted off. How will Miami's secondary recover from this blow?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The roar of the crowd and the palpable excitement of a new season were silenced in an instant. The Miami Dolphins' 2025 training camp had barely begun Wednesday when veteran cornerback Artie Burns was carted off the field with a significant knee injury, casting a dark cloud over what should have been a day of celebration for fans and players alike.
We're comfortable with the group we have, but we'll always remain open to any veteran free agent additions that make sense for us.
On the very first day of public practice, the Dolphins' thin cornerback depth took a massive hit. Artie Burns, an offseason acquisition expected to compete for a starting job, went down during position drills with what is reportedly a feared torn ACL. He was carted off on crutches, pending MRI confirmation. The injury immediately tests Miami's secondary and puts immense pressure on the remaining corners, including fifth-round rookie Jason Marshall Jr., to step up. Head Coach Mike McDaniel's comments suggest the front office may be scouring the free agent market sooner than anticipated.
Despite the somber mood following the injury, the business of football continued. Intense position battles are already taking shape, particularly at quarterback and tight end, as players look to carve out their roles. Elsewhere, veteran defensive tackle Zach Sieler, a key part of the defensive front, handled questions about his contract situation with professionalism, declining to comment on negotiations while emphasizing his commitment to his teammates. His focus, reflected in his social media posts about team unity, sets a strong example as the team navigates this early adversity.
A major source of optimism comes from the team's 2025 draft class. First-round pick Kenneth Grant, a defensive tackle from Michigan, is already turning heads with his sheer physical presence on the line. On the offensive side, second-round guard Jonah Savaiinaea from Arizona is expected to make a serious push for a starting role, adding much-needed competition and depth. These young players, along with the rest of the rookie class, bring a fresh energy and represent the future foundation of the franchise, a welcome sight on a difficult day.
While the specter of the Artie Burns injury looms large, the Dolphins have no choice but to press forward. All eyes will be on the MRI results, but also on how the rest of the cornerback room responds to the challenge. With the first padded practices just days away and the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on August 10, this team's depth and resilience will be tested from the very start. Day one was a harsh reminder of the NFL's brutal nature, but the marathon of the season has only just begun.
