Miami Dolphins rookie linebacker/safety Kyle Louis reportedly suffered an MCL sprain and will be out for multiple weeks.
Miami Dolphins rookie linebacker and safety Kyle Louis suffered what appeared to be a significant knee injury early during the team's Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Now, it appears the injury that Louis suffered has been revealed. Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the rookie reportedly suffered an MCL sprain and will be out for multiple weeks.
Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley spoke about Louis' injury during media availability on Monday and stated that he believed the rookie would be out for "multiple weeks."
"He'll be out this week for sure. Might be a few weeks; don't know how long just yet. But just being honest with you, he will be out for the week," Hafley said.
Louis' journey on the Miami defense has been eventful, as he was initially drafted with the intention that he would play linebacker on Hafley's defense. However, as OTAs and training camp went on, he began to be utilized as a defensive back.
Before training camp wrapped up, Louis had been playing in coverage more than anything else, and he eventually joined the safeties' room. Hafley spoke about his versatility and revealed that the rookie would be cross-trained, including playing a major part on special teams.
That is now set to be put on hold while Louis recovers from an MCL sprain. The good news for the Dolphins is that he will not be out for the season, but he will need some time to heal.
Miami had a tough time containing the Raiders on Sunday, and it was clear that the youth movement in South Florida needs some time to gel together. Losing a rookie who had a big upside is certainly not something that Hafley or the rest of the team wants to happen.
There were some big pros to the loss, as the younger rookies played well. Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, and wide receiver Caleb Douglas were among the starters who made their presence known.
Now, the Dolphins will look to an even tougher opponent, as they face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.
With Louis out for multiple weeks, it will be interesting to see if more depth will be added. Additionally, Hafley and the coaching staff may get together to determine if it is smarter to place the rookie on the IR (injured reserve).
Getting added to the IR would mean that Louis will be out for the next four regular season games, placing his return at Week 7 against the New York Jets. The Dolphins have a Week 6 BYE, so it would give him more time to truly heal from the sprain.
