Dolphins position group under more pressure following injury update

Kohou, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, had blossomed into one of the league's most dependable slot corners throughout his first three seasons. 

Per Pro Football Focus data, he took roughly 64 percent of his snaps in the slot a season ago. Overall, he allowed 42 receptions on 64 targets for 335 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and three pass breakups. Quarterbacks recorded a below-average 76 passer rating.

His injury is the latest blow to a Dolphins secondary that was gutted this offseason.

In June, Miami traded three-time first-team All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (also a three-time first-team All-Pro), to fill the hole left by free safety Jevon Holland's departure to the New York Giants on a three-year, $45.3 million contract in free agency.

Last week, Miami signed corners Mike Hilton and Jack Jones to combat its losses, but the team might have to dip back into the free-agent pool.

Until then, Chubb, Phillips and Robinson must shoulder the load.

NFL.com senior news writer Kevin Patra wrote about the edge-rush trio earlier Wednesday, noting their health will be paramount for the Dolphins with their secondary "littered with questions and injuries."

"If Robinson grows and Chubb and Phillips stay healthy, the Dolphins defense will be able to hang its hat on the pass rush while it figures out the secondary," Patra wrote.

Robinson, the No. 21 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, played 53 percent of the Dolphins' defensive snaps last season and finished fifth in Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, while Chubb and Phillips combined for four games (Chubb missed the entire season) while hampered by injuries.

Even if the Dolphins had a solid secondary, based on their 2025 salaries, Chubb and Phillips would be under pressure to produce big numbers this fall. The two edge-defenders rank in the top five on the team in largest 2025 cap hits, with Phillips accounting for $13.251M against the cap and Chubb $12.328M.

But with Miami sporting a patchwork defensive backfield, they must play above their pay grade. The Dolphins' season depends on it.