Cornerback Eli Apple signs with Miami Dolphins after Jalen Ramsey surgery
Free agent cornerback Eli Apple has picked up a short term deal with the Miami Dolphins, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Apple will fill out the defensive backfield in lieu of Jalen Ramsey, who will be out until December following a knee surgery.
Apple played the last two seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, where he was part of deep playoff runs — including to the Super Bowl during the 2021-22 season. Prior to that he had played for the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants, who selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Giants selected Apple out of Ohio State, where he starred as a lockdown outside corner. In 28 games across two seasons of play, he had four interceptions and 17 passes defensed to go with 7.5 tackles for loss.
Entering his eighth season in the league, Apple has five career interceptions and 51 passes defensed, plus 10 combined fumbles forced and recovered. He can provide reliable depth for a Miami squad eyeing a deep playoff push of their own.
The Dolphins expected to have Ramsey for the season, but a knee injury early in training camp resulted in the star cornerback getting surgery on Friday to repair a meniscus. He’s expected to be able to contribute come playoff time, should the Dolphins make it that far.
Ramsey shared an update shortly after his surgery
Ramsey provided an update on his condition after undergoing a full meniscus repair in his left knee Friday.
“Surgery went well,” Ramsey tweeted. “To my teammates & fans, thank you for the prayers and support!! I promise I will attack this rehab and be back stronger than ever… this will just part of the greater story down the stretch! Adversity is opportunity! God is so great! FIN5 UP!”
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel praised Ramsey for his attitude in response to the injury.
“What was the most amazing thing about the whole thing was the way Jalen responded. He spoke to the team yesterday and it really moved a lot of people,” McDaniel said Friday, via NFL.com. “He first let everybody know how much he appreciated this team and how this team has accepted him. He’s been in the league for a little bit and he knows what we’re doing here and his opinion is special for his position group not to waver, and exuded all the confidence he has in that position group. One of the things that he said that was real cool for everybody was he told all his teammates not to worry, not to feel sorry for him. He’s going on whatever timeline the doctors give him. He’s going after that timeline and trying to flex that he’ll beat it.”