Jay Ajayi to miss at least a week with concussion; Isaiah Ford may need knee surgery

The Miami Dolphins almost completed their first week of training camp healthy. Monday, however, hit them hard - literally. During a non-live period, running back Jay Ajayi sustained a concussion when he was hit by safety T.J. McDonald, who explained that he was trying to “thud” Ajayi. After practice on Monday, head coach Adam Gase confirmed that Ajayi was being tested for a concussion.

According to the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero, Ajayi is now expected to miss at least a week of training camp with a confirmed concussion.

Salguero also notes that wide receiver Isaiah Ford, Miami’s seventh-round draft pick this year, could be in danger of landing on injured reserve before his rookie year even gets started. Ford is believed to have meniscus damage in his knee, an injury that would require surgery. The recovery time on that procedure would likely keep Ford out of the rest of camp and all of the preseason. Miami could decide to shelve Ford for the year.

The Dolphins will likely be slow in how they bring back Ajayi once he is cleared of the concussion protocol. There is no benefit to rushing him back, especially if there is a risk of additional concussion issues. Ajayi, who ran for 1,272 yards with eight touchdowns last year to earn his first Pro Bowl selection, will be asked to contribute more this year, with the team talking about upping his 287 touches last year to 300 to 350 times the running back has the ball in his hands (carries and receptions). Ajayi already knows the offensive system and can learn any new installs without endangering him to additional hits during camp.

Miami is back on the field currently for their sixth workout of training camp. The team activated safety Reshad Jones off the Non-Football Injury list earlier in the day.