Louis Delmas of Miami Dolphins carted off field with injury

Dolphins starting safety Louis Delmas was carted off the field with an apparent right knee injury, which he suffered in noncontact drills during Miami's joint practice with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.

Delmas rehabbed his right knee this offseason after suffering an ACL tear in December, and he was making good progress and didn't miss a single practice in training camp.

It would be a big loss for Miami's secondary if Delmas, who signed a one-year contract during the offseason, were to miss an extended period. Miami's top backup safety is Walt Aikens, who lacks the same experience as he enters his second season.

It's been a ominous start for joint practices between the Dolphins and Panthers. In addition to Delmas, Carolina's leading wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin also was carted off the field with a knee injury on Wednesday.

Miami and Carolina will hold their second consecutive joint practice on Thursday. The two teams also will play a preseason game on Saturday night.