Miami Dolphins helmet
The Miami Dolphins‘ roller-coaster season took another hit on Monday, as the team announced wide receiver and return specialist Braxton Berrios will be placed on injured reserve, ending his 2024 campaign. Berrios suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of Miami’s 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and an MRI on Monday confirmed the worst: a season-ending ACL tear.
The injury is a significant blow to Miami’s special teams unit. Primarily known for his return abilities, Berrios has been a spark for the Dolphins, tallying seven punt returns for 103 yards and three kickoff returns for 76 yards this season. His impact as a dynamic return man, as well as his versatility as a depth receiver, will be sorely missed as the Dolphins navigate the remainder of the season.
Berrios’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, had hinted at the severity of the injury shortly after the game. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rosenhaus shared that Berrios was concerned it might be a significant injury, and unfortunately, those fears were confirmed. Berrios was in his second season with the Dolphins and had signed a one-year contract extension during the offseason, giving him a chance to continue contributing to the team he had grown fond of since his collegiate days at the University of Miami. The former New York Jets All-Pro earned special teams honors in 2021, showcasing his knack for making an impact in the return game.
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While the Dolphins will feel the absence of Berrios, there is a glimmer of hope for Miami’s defense. The team announced that cornerback Cam Smith will be activated off injured reserve, providing a much-needed boost to a defense that has been hampered by injuries throughout the season. Smith, a second-round draft pick in 2023 out of South Carolina, has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Though he has played sparingly, contributing to only 2% of defensive snaps and 53% of special teams plays last season, his return could bolster a secondary that has struggled with depth.
Miami, currently sitting at 2-4, will host the 2-4 Arizona Cardinals this Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in a must-win game for both teams. The Dolphins will also welcome back starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is expected to return from injury in time for the Week 8 matchup.
As the Dolphins fight to salvage their season, the loss of Berrios is another tough pill to swallow. However, the return of key players like Smith, and the leadership of Tagovailoa, could help steady the ship as Miami looks to claw its way back into playoff contention.
