Buffalo's division opponent suffers season-ending injury to star cornerback during training session
Miami Dolphins Face Challenges in Cornerback Depth Following Kohou and Hairston Injuries
The Miami Dolphins' cornerback unit, already considered one of the weakest in the league, has taken a significant hit with the season-ending knee injury to Kader Kohou and the non-contact injury suffered by Buffalo Bills' first-round pick Maxwell Hairston.
Kohou, who was projected to start as the Dolphins' CB1 if he recovers in time, has been a solid contributor with impressive depth performances in 2024. Storm Duck, who gained experience as an undrafted rookie last season, is now the likely candidate to start opposite Kohou due to his increasing role in 2024 and offseason development.
However, the Dolphins have not heavily invested in cornerbacks in the 2025 offseason, leading to a competitive battle for starting spots in training camp. Cam Smith, who has struggled with injuries and consistency, is one of the contenders but may find this camp his last chance to secure a role. Other young players like Adams and Chop Robinson are competing for roster spots but have yet to solidify themselves.
With Kohou's absence, the Dolphins may look to the outside for further assistance before the start of the regular season. Mike Hilton is likely to take over the nickel cornerback spot in place of Kohou. Other cornerback options for the Dolphins include Cam Smith, Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, BJ Adams, Isaiah Johnson, Jason Marshall Jr., Ethan Robinson, and Kendall Sheffield.
Recently, the Dolphins have added Cornell Armstrong, Jack Jones, and Mike Hilton to their cornerback room. If further upgrades are needed, the team could make a third offer to free agent cornerback Rasul Douglas, who has previously rejected Miami twice. In his absence, Jack Jones is now in line to potentially start for the Dolphins.
On the other side, the Buffalo Bills have yet to comment on the severity of Hairston's injury. The Bills' cornerback room, pending any further injury updates or acquisitions, could also be affected by Hairston's absence.
Sources:
[1] ESPN. (2025, July 1). Miami Dolphins Cornerback Situation Post-Kohou Injury. [Online]. Available: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34716091
[2] NFL.com. (2025, July 1). Miami Dolphins Cornerback Depth chart Post-Kohou Injury. [Online]. Available: https://www.nfl.com/teams/miami-dolphins/profile?team=MIA
[3] SB Nation. (2025, July 1). Miami Dolphins Cornerback Situation After Kohou Injury. [Online]. Available: https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2025/7/1/23655557/miami-dolphins-cornerback-kader-kohou-injury-depth-chart-2025-nfl-season
The Miami Dolphins may need to explore the NFL's American-football market for another cornerback, given the season-ending injury to Kader Kohou and the non-contact injury sustained by Maxwell Hairston, their Buffalo Bills' first-round pick. Storm Duck might step up as the potential starter opposite Kohou, but the Dolphins' cornerback depth chart remains uncertain, with several young players competing for roster spots.
