Dolphins Suffer Major Blow As Depleted Unit Loses Another Difference-Maker to Devastating Injury

by

The Miami Dolphins just lost another crucial piece of their already fragile defense. Kader Kohou was supposed to anchor a cornerback room that desperately needed stability.

Instead, he’s heading to injured reserve with a season-ending knee injury, leaving the Dolphins scrambling to patch together one of the NFL’s most vulnerable secondaries.

Dive into PFSN’s FREE Mock Draft Simulator and run a mock by yourself or with your friends!

How Will Kader Kohou’s Season-Ending Injury Impact Miami’s Secondary?

The 2025 NFL preseason has already begun with a series of injuries, an everyday reality when the pace starts to ramp up before the season kicks off. The Dolphins, already featuring a roster different from what fans saw in 2024, weren’t spared from losing a player to injury early on.

The team’s cornerback group was among the most affected units this offseason and enters 2024-25 as one of the weakest in the NFL. CB Kader Kohou’s injury creates additional pressure on coordinator Anthony Weaver to find solutions that allow the team to remain competitive this season.

During the offseason, superstar receiver Tyreek Hill went through a period of uncertainty regarding his future with the franchise. More damaging, Jalen Ramsey, the team’s top cornerback, was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In return, the Dolphins brought back safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to soften the blow.

However, the cornerback room became thinner and now relies on two veteran additions who are no longer consensus standouts, Jack Jones and Mike Hilton. Their roles will be even more crucial now that starting corner Kohou suffered a knee injury and will miss the season.

“He’s going on injured reserve,” McDaniel said. “I was crushed until I talked to Kader. And honestly, Kader made me feel a little bit better simply because of his mindset.”

Kohou entered the league as an undrafted player and quickly earned a spot in the rotation. He appeared in 47 games over his first three NFL seasons, including 38 starts. He has recorded three career interceptions, two of which came last season, and was on track for a breakout year in 2024-25.

What Are Miami’s Options for Replacing Kohou?

The injury leaves a major question mark over Miami’s secondary. The unit now projects to have Jones and Storm Duck as the outside cornerbacks, with Hilton sliding into the nickel role in Kohou’s absence. Depth remains a serious concern for the coaching staff.

Cam Smith and Jason Marshall Jr. are the immediate backups, with Ifeatu Melifonwu potentially rotating in hybrid roles when needed. Still, it’s a unit without star power, with only Fitzpatrick providing a solid veteran presence at safety.

RELATED: ‘We Hear the Noise’ — Dolphins Star Tua Tagovailoa Sends Strong Message About Miami’s Outlook in 2025

This defensive vulnerability will be difficult for Miami to overcome when facing the AFC’s elite. All signs point to a defensive regression, putting more pressure on the offense to dictate the tempo of games.

The Dolphins were initially projected to finish 9-8, but seeing a clear path to the playoffs is becoming harder. More than ever, QB Tua Tagovailoa will be expected to take the next step and prove his value by leading a dynamic offense like the one Miami showcased in 2023, when he stayed healthy and helped guide the team to the postseason.

Leave a Comment