Dolphins CB Artie Burns Feared to Have Torn ACL After Practice Injury

The Miami Dolphins may have suffered a major blow to their secondary. Veteran cornerback Artie Burns, 29, is feared to have suffered a torn ACL during practice on Wednesday, according to sources close to the team. Burns was seen leaving the field on crutches following a non-contact play, and he is currently awaiting an MRI and second opinion to confirm the extent of the damage.

The injury occurred during individual drills early in the afternoon practice. Burns reportedly planted awkwardly while making a routine backpedal and immediately fell to the ground, clutching his left knee. Trainers rushed to his aid, and after a brief on-field evaluation, he was helped off without putting weight on the injured leg.

“He just went down suddenly — no contact, nothing unusual,” one player said. “You could tell something wasn’t right right away.”

Burns, a former first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016, has been working to re-establish himself as a reliable depth option for Miami’s defensive backfield. After bouncing between the Bears and Seahawks in recent years, he signed with the Dolphins last season and played primarily on special teams and as a reserve. Coaches had praised his leadership and work ethic during OTAs and early training camp.

Head coach Mike McDaniel addressed the injury with concern following the session. “We’re obviously hoping for the best with Artie,” McDaniel said. “He’s a tough competitor, and he’s done everything right since joining this team. We’ll wait for the MRI and go from there.”

ACL injuries typically require season-ending surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period of 9 to 12 months. If confirmed, the loss of Burns would be a blow to the Dolphins’ cornerback depth chart, which already faced some uncertainty. Star corner Jalen Ramsey is returning from his own knee injury, and while Xavien Howard anchors one side, Miami has been rotating younger players in camp to determine the final roster spots.

Burns’ veteran presence was expected to play a stabilizing role among the younger DBs, especially as Miami prepares to face some of the league’s most dynamic passing offenses in 2025.

The Dolphins may now be forced to explore the free-agent market or increase reps for rookies and second-year players. Potential replacements could include practice squad members or remaining veterans like Casey Hayward or William Jackson III, who are still available in free agency.

For Burns, the potential injury would mark another frustrating setback in a career filled with ups and downs. Once viewed as a future star in Pittsburgh, his career was derailed by injuries and inconsistent play. However, his perseverance and maturity had earned him respect throughout the league in recent years.

“Artie’s one of the good guys,” a Dolphins staffer said. “He’s battled back so many times—you just hate to see this.”

MRI results are expected within the next 24 to 48 hours. Until then, the Dolphins — and Burns — are holding out hope for better news.