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Miami Dolphins cornerback Ethan Bonner suffers hamstring injury in preseason game vs. Lions
Ethan Bonner leaves preseason with hamstring injury (Image via: Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins suffered their first major setback of the preseason when cornerback Ethan Bonner exited early in Saturday's Week 2 clash against the Detroit Lions. The third-year defensive back walked off the field in the first quarter and was later seen heading to the locker room, ending his afternoon early.
Hamstring injury
clouds Ethan
Bonner
's 2025 season outlook
Reports from Sun Sentinel's David Furones confirmed Bonner was evaluated in the medical tent before being taken inside, while Miami Herald's Omar Kelly indicated the injury appears to be hamstring-related. The Dolphins are yet to announce the severity, but his absence comes at a sensitive time for Miami's already thin cornerback group.
Bonner, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023, has worked his way up from the Dolphins' practice squad to a potential rotational role.
After impressing in limited opportunities, he earned a roster spot in 2024 and was even given a starting nod against Detroit this weekend.
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General manager Chris Grier had earlier praised Bonner for his intelligence and competitiveness, highlighting how several teams had shown trade interest. 'He's taken advantage of it every time he's had one,' Grier said recently, reflecting the growing confidence around the young cornerback.
For Bonner, this preseason was an important audition. With Miami's secondary unsettled, he had an outside shot at locking down a starting role. 'I want to start and I want to play,' Bonner said ahead of the game. 'If it's here or somewhere else, I want to be on the field. I want to be in Miami.'
Ethan Bonner's injury adds pressure to Dolphins' secondary depth
The Miami Dolphins' secondary was already under pressure ahead of the 2025 season, and Ethan Bonner's injury has only heightened the concern.
With recurring setbacks at cornerback in recent years, Miami can ill afford another blow. Bonner's recovery timeline could shape roster calls and defensive rotations in the weeks to come, making his status critical.
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For now, the Dolphins are awaiting further evaluation to determine the severity of Bonner's injury. With roster cuts nearing and the regular season approaching, his availability will be an important factor in shaping Miami's secondary for 2025.
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