The Miami Dolphins activated star cornerback Jalen Ramsey off injured reserve Saturday, and the prized offseason acquisition is now slated to make his debut with his new team in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.
Ramsey has spent the past three months rehabbing from a meniscus procedure in his left knee after injuring it in late July, the second practice of Dolphins training camp. He completed his second week of practice since being designated to return Oct. 18.
A Thursday night ESPN report said the Dolphins were planning on activating Ramsey ahead of Sunday, but Ramsey quickly denied it on social media.
On Friday, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel indicated it was all still up in the air between Ramsey and fellow former All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard, who enters Sunday questionable with a groin injury.
“I’m prepared for either scenario for both players, and I really don’t have a clue if they’re going to play or not,” McDaniel said Friday.
Ramsey officially remains listed as questionable on Miami’s injury report update issued Saturday, which ruled out safety Jevon Holland.
Ramsey was acquired by the Dolphins this past offseason in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. The No. 5 draft pick in 2016 out of Florida State by the Jacksonville Jaguars, he has 19 interceptions, 452 tackles, two sacks and a pair of fumble recoveries in his first seven seasons in the NFL. He has six Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections in his career.
In a corresponding move Saturday, the Dolphins released cornerback Parry Nickerson. He played in five games for Miami this season, including extensive action in the nickel last Sunday night at the Eagles, and recorded five tackles.
In addition to ruling downgrading Holland, who is in concussion protocol, to out for Sunday’s game after he was deemed questionable Friday, Miami did the same with wide receiver River Cracraft. He remains on injured reserve with a shoulder ailment after his first week back at practice.
Without Holland, Miami is likely to start Brandon Jones at the safety position opposite DeShon Elliott. The team also has Elijah Campbell as an available reserve safety.
The Dolphins did not announce any practice squad elevations Saturday.
That could bode well for others, aside from Ramsey and Howard, listed as questionable heading into Sunday: Running back Raheem Mostert (ankle), center Connor Williams (groin), fullback Alec Ingold (foot), cornerback Nik Needham (Achilles) and cornerback Cam Smith (foot). McDaniel said Friday he planned on having Williams active but wasn’t sure if he was ready to start.
The Patriots, on Saturday, downgraded edge rusher Josh Uche (ankle/toe) and offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (ankle) from questionable to out as they didn’t travel with the team. New England already had offensive lineman Calvin Anderson out with an illness.
