Miami Dolphins star cornerback Kendall Fuller has been ruled out of the game and is in concussion protocol, marking his second concussion of the season. He was replaced on the field by Cam Smith. Fuller was first diagnosed with a concussion after the Dolphin’s Week 3 loss to the Seahawks and was unable to play in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans. Before leaving the game, Fuller recorded a pass breakup and gave up only one reception for 22 yards.
Fuller played college football at Virginia Tech, where he started 12 of 13 games and recorded 58 tackles and six interceptions. His performance earned him the title of Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year. Despite initially being projected as a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, he fell to the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders) in the third round due to a torn meniscus. He quickly became an important part of Washington’s secondary, showcasing his skills defending the pass and creating turnovers.
After a successful start with the Washington Commanders, Fuller was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, where he played a key role in their Super Bowl LIV victory in 2020. In that game, he made several crucial plays in the final moments of the fourth quarter, including a pivotal pass deflection and an interception. He was then traded back to Washington in 2020 in exchange for cornerback Bashaud Breeland. Miami later signed Fuller as an unrestricted free agent in March.
In his rookie season with the Commanders, Fuller recorded 42 total tackles and two pass deflections in 13 games, starting six of them. He quickly proved himself to be a talented cornerback with the ability to cover receivers effectively. Throughout his career, Fuller has shown consistency and skill in defending the pass and creating turnovers. His impact on the field has been significant for the teams he has played for, including Washington and Kansas City.
Fuller’s current concussion marks his second of the season, leading to his absence from the game and placement in concussion protocol. The cornerback position is crucial for the Dolphins, and his absence will be felt on the field. The team will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by Fuller’s absence. His health and recovery will be closely monitored as he progresses through the concussion protocol and works towards returning to the field.
As a key player in Miami’s defense, Fuller’s absence will impact the team’s performance on the field. His skills in defending the pass and creating turnovers have been instrumental in the success of his teams throughout his career. The Dolphins will need to adjust their defensive strategy and rely on other players to step up in his absence. Fuller’s history of success and impact on the field make his recovery and return to play a top priority for the team.