In a disheartening moment during the preseason opener, Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Kion Smith suffered a severe injury that has abruptly ended his 2024 season. Early in the game against the Atlanta Falcons, Smith experienced what appeared to be a serious setback, later confirmed as a torn ACL.
Smith, who went undrafted in 2021 and originally signed with the Falcons, failed to secure a spot on their 53-man roster, leading him to Miami’s practice squad. Over the last season, he had emerged in nine games as a dependable tackle, which prompted the Dolphins’ coaching staff, led by Mike McDaniel, to test his skills at left guard.
The transition, however, had an unfortunate turn during the matchup with Ryan Hayes, where a collision caused the catastrophic knee injury. The incident did not require a cart to exit the field, but Smith limped off in significant distress, signaling the severity of the injury.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 305 pounds, Smith’s journey ahead involves rigorous rehabilitation to return to full strength. Though his potential spot on the Week 1 roster was uncertain, there were high hopes for him to establish himself as a key interior player for the Dolphins this preseason.
This injury not only represents a personal setback for Smith but also poses a challenge for the Dolphins as they look to build depth and strength in their lineup. Smith’s road to recovery will be closely watched by his team and supporters, who had high expectations for his growth and contributions this season. The loss of Smith for the season is truly a blow to both the player and his team as they prepare for the upcoming games.