Devastating Blow to Dolphins: Top Cornerback Kader Kohou Out for Season with Knee Injury, Secondary Faces Major Shakeup
A significant setback has struck the Miami Dolphins’ defense as cornerback Kader Kohou suffered a devastating knee injury during Saturday’s practice, ruling him out for the entire 2025 season. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that Kohou will be placed on injured reserve, a major blow to the Dolphins’ defensive lineup, especially since cornerback has been a historically weak position for the team. Kohou, who had emerged as one of Miami’s top cornerbacks, was expected to be a key figure in the secondary this season.
McDaniel expressed his initial frustration, saying, “I was crushed until I talked to Kader, and honestly, Kader made me feel a little bit better simply because of his mindset.” It’s clear that Kohou’s resilient attitude has helped lift the spirits of the team, even in the wake of such a critical injury.
With Kohou sidelined, the Dolphins are now facing the challenge of finding a reliable replacement. The team will lean on veteran slot cornerback Mike Hilton, who will need to step up and fill the void left by Kohou’s absence. Hilton’s experience and leadership will be crucial as Miami looks to solidify its secondary.
On the outside, the Dolphins have a number of options vying for the starting roles. Jack Jones, who was recently signed, is a promising but raw talent, known for his athleticism and aggressive play. However, his inconsistency—particularly allowing too many touchdowns and missing tackles last season—raises questions about his reliability. Cam Smith, the second-round pick from last season, has yet to meet the high expectations set for him, and Storm Duck, an undrafted rookie, showed flashes of promise in his debut year. The team also has Kendall Sheffield in the mix, with the coaching staff viewing him as a sleeper candidate, given his impressive performances during spring and summer workouts.
In what promises to be a turbulent season for the Dolphins’ secondary, it will be a crucial test for these cornerbacks to step up and perform at a high level. The team, though faced with adversity, will need to rely on its depth and adaptability to overcome this significant challenge.
