The Miami Dolphins dealt with many injuries throughout their 2023-24 campaign. Their defense was without star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and edge rusher Bradley Chubb throughout key points of the season. Besides stars, numerous playmakers dealt with nagging injuries. On November 24, 2023, Dolphins’ young edge rusher Jaelan Phillips suffered a torn Achilles in a matchup versus the New York Jets.
Phillips stacked 6.5 sacks in only eight games and was on track to be among the top 10 sack leaders of 2023.
Jaelan Phillips Reflects On Dolphins Return
Jaelan Phillips played all 34 games of his first two seasons in the NFL, making an immediate impact on the Dolphins’ defense as a first-round pick in 2021. After continuing his growth before his injury, Phillips commented on his return.
I don’t see this as a get-back year, Phillips said Thursday, via Isaiah Smalls of Yahoo Sports. I don’t see this as dipping my toe in the water. I’m coming guns blazing and I’m putting my best foot forward.
Phillips appears primed for a breakout year, looking to recover from lost time. However, it is unlikely he will be on a snap count, being just nine months removed from his critical injury.
You’re going to have to ask somebody else, Phillips said. Hopefully it doesn’t come down to that. Hopefully we go out there and handle our business but regardless, I’m here to do whatever they need me to do. Obviously, I’m going to be pushing to play as much as I can, but I have to be smart at the end of the day. It’s a long season.
I don’t think you want to put a number count on that kid, but we know we have to be smart in how we approach this so he can maintain and last throughout the entire season, Dolphins new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said on Aug. 20.
I think with him — yeah, you’ve got to put a governor on him because he wants to go 100 miles an hour, and it’s like, ‘Dude, you just came back from a serious injury faster because you’re a freak healer, but let’s be smart about this, GM Chris Grier said Wednesday. I just think Kyle [Johnston] and his staff do a great job of getting our guys prepared and healthy, so we’ll take the approach — because it is about long term; it’s not just about right now.
Jaelan Phillips Impact
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In the former Miami Hurricane’s 42-game NFL career, Phillips has counted 22 sacks, 88 tackles, and an interception. Phillips even recorded a blocked punt in his sophomore season with the Dolphins. After his devastating injury, Phillips says he feels great in his recovery process.
I got stronger, leaner, faster, Phillips said. I’m in a really good place. Phillips addressed some areas of his game he wants to improve of — hand placement, pad level, things like that, he said — but knows that will happen in time. I don’t feel like I’ve been away from the game a long time, he added.
Dolphins star edge rusher Bradley Chubb will begin the season on the PUP list (missing a minimum of four games). The defense also took a hit with the departure of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who joined the Las Vegas Raiders, so South Beach needs Phillips’ help in the pass-rushing department. Uncertainty lingers in the secondary as the starting lineup—featuring Jalen Ramsey, Jordan Poyer, Jevon Holland, and Cam Smith—has yet to fully practice together. As a result, the Dolphins may have to lean heavily on Phillips.
The Miami Dolphins’ game plan will rely heavily on Jaelan Phillips’ availability, especially until the return of Bradley Chubb. How available will Phillips truly be? Only time will tell.
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