The Miami Dolphins' training camp kicked off with an unfortunate setback as veteran cornerback Artie Burns was reportedly spotted leaving the team facility on crutches following the session, sparking immediate concern among fans and analysts.
According to multiple reports, Burns sustained an injury during the Dolphins' opening practice, and while the team has yet to issue an official statement on the nature or severity of the issue, early signs suggest it may be more serious than initially anticipated.
Artie Burns' injury history raises red flags
At 30 years old, Burns is no stranger to injury woes. A former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016, Burns’ NFL journey has been riddled with inconsistencies, largely due to health setbacks. Most notably, he missed the entire 2020 season after suffering a torn ACL during training camp with the Chicago Bears.
Since then, his time on the field has been limited. In 2023, Artie Burns appeared in 14 games for the Seattle Seahawks, starting just once and registering 23 tackles without a single interception. His last recorded interception dates back to the 2017 season — the last time he served as a full-time starter. Over the past three seasons, he has played in just 21 games, totaling 27 tackles with no picks.
A hometown return in jeopardy
This offseason, Burns signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins — a return to his hometown of Miami, where he starred at the University of Miami before entering the league. The move was viewed by some as a low-risk gamble, giving Artie Burns a final shot at reviving his career in familiar surroundings.
However, this recent injury could threaten his chances of securing a roster spot, especially considering the competitive depth of the Dolphins’ secondary. Burns’ experience and veteran presence are valued assets, but his inability to stay healthy has made it difficult for him to reestablish himself as a reliable contributor.
Next steps and outlook
With the Dolphins yet to release further information, all eyes are on upcoming injury updates and potential scans. If the severity of Burns’ injury is confirmed, the team may be forced to explore alternative options to bolster their cornerback depth heading into the season.
For Artie Burns, the timing couldn’t be worse. Just when it seemed he might finally find a stable role in Miami, another setback threatens to derail his career once again.
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