Terron Armstead activated from PUP list
Starting left tackle Terron Armstead was placed on the physically unable to perform list at the start of camp but was activated Monday. Although Armstead was not in pads for the practice, the move signals he is on track to be ready for the season opener come September.
Armstead ranked 15th out of 79 qualifying tackles with a 77.6 overall grade last season despite battling knee, toe, pectoral and hip injuries throughout the year. The Dolphins’ offensive line struggled mightily with Armstead out of the lineup, so keeping him as fresh as possible over the next month is crucial to the team’s success moving forward.
Cam Smith stepping in for Jalen Ramsey
Cornerback Cam Smith had a strong practice Monday, flashing elite coverage skills while breaking up multiple passes. The rookie out of South Carolina will be asked to contribute immediately following the loss of All-Pro Jalen Ramsey in the secondary.
The rook makin’ plays ???? @yjbcam pic.twitter.com/aRnZik8VW8
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 31, 2023
Smith was primarily an outside cornerback in his first two seasons at South Carolina but played significant snaps (195) in the slot last season. His versatility in Vic Fangio’s defense will be key as the unit tries to overcome the loss of Ramsey in the first half of the season.
Jalen Ramsey injury update
Star cornerback Jalen Ramsey is just a few days removed from surgery on his left meniscus but is already saying and doing all the right things. According to head coach Mike McDaniel, Ramsey said, “Tell me whatever the timeline is, I’m gonna beat it by a month.”
Ramsey’s 90.4 overall grade over the past two seasons is the top mark among all cornerbacks in the NFL. While the Dolphins cannot simply replace the type of elite production he provides, they do have depth at the cornerback position behind Xavien Howard in Kader Kohou, Cam Smith and the recently signed Eli Apple, among others.
David Long making an immediate impact
David Long made his presence known on the first day of padded practice. Miami had arguably the steal of free agency when they signed Long for two years and $11 million. The PFF projection was $40 million over four years with $25 million guaranteed.
David Long has back to back sticks in the run game. His impact has been immediate in the middle of the defense
— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) July 31, 2023
Long finished the 2022 season ranked inside the top five in both pass-rush grade (80.1) and run-defense grade (89.0) among qualifying linebackers. He has improved his overall grade in each of his four seasons in the NFL and is still in the prime of his career at just 26 years old.
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