Just as the Miami Dolphins have started training camp, they have received a devastating blow because veteran cornerback Artie Burns tore his ACL on his first day with the organization. The 30-year-old ended Wednesday back on crutches after being injured during an individual workout in a non-contact injury, which was proven worse by an MRI scan.
An MRI confirmed an ACL tear for Dolphins CB Artie Burns, who now is expected to miss the 2025 season, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2025
A Setback Before the Season Begins
Artie Burns signed a one-year contract with Miami this offseason, a contract that helped the Dolphins’ secondary with depth in a backfield that’s already seen a lot of turnover. Dolphins were bold to trade away their star corner Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers and have also parted ways with Kendall Fuller, giving the cornerback group minimal experience and proven production.
Who Steps Up at Cornerback?
Artie Burns is sidelined, and this increases competition at cornerback as to who gets playing time. Second-year player Cam Smith has become more responsible now as one of the few corners to have starting experience on the team. He will find three undrafted players around him, such as Storm Duck, Kader Kohou, and Ethan Bonner, who will challenge rookie Jason Marshall Jr. and other free agents BJ Adams and Ethan Robinson for roster spots and the lineup.
In an effort to fill in the gap, Miami signed veteran Cornell Armstrong, whom they had originally taken in the 2018 sixth round, to a one-year contract. Armstrong, 29, has been a journeyman who has traveled around the league with the Texans, Falcons, and Raiders, but mainly as a contributor to the special teams. Whether he will be a reliable presence on defense or not remains to be seen.
Artie Burns’ Journey
Artie Burns, drafted 25th overall by the Steelers in the 2016 NFL Draft, took his career to Pittsburgh, and afterward transferred to Chicago in the 2021 season. His NFL career has been filled with missed opportunities with flashes of promise coupled with tough injury fortune, previously having torn his ACL in 2020 and, most recently this season in 2024, missing most of the year due to a toe injury whilst with the Seattle Seahawks.
Also Read: Miami Dolphins: Jaylen Waddle Admits 2024 Flaw That Held Him Back
Looking Ahead
This recent blow highlights Miami in its weak spot in one of the most depth-sensitive positions in football. The secondary in the Dolphins will have to have players emerge quickly as the team looks to remain competitive in a challenging AFC East.
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