The Potential Return of Dolphins LB Jaelan Phillips: A Critical Component for Miami’s Defensive Success
As the Miami Dolphins prepare for the 2024 NFL season, the team faces significant changes on the defensive front. Of the six players who recorded two or more sacks last season, only three remain on the active roster as Week One approaches. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel have departed for the Raiders and Vikings, respectively, and pass rusher Bradley Chubb will miss at least the first four games on the physically unable to perform list. This leaves a significant void that must be filled by the remaining trio: defensive tackle Zach Sieler, linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah, and perhaps most critically, linebacker Jaelan Phillips.
Phillips, a former first-round pick, was having a breakout season in 2023 before an Achilles tear on November 24th cut his campaign short. At the time of his injury, Phillips had accumulated 6.5 sacks through eight games, just two shy of his career-high of 8.5, which he achieved as a rookie in 2021. His production wasn't limited to sacks; he was also logging 43 tackles and seven tackles for loss at a higher rate than in his previous two seasons. His versatility and disruptive presence on the field were evident, culminating in his first career interception a week before his injury.
Now 25, Phillips is set to play a pivotal role in Miami's defense as the team integrates new players and awaits the return of key contributors like Chubb. Phillips has been ramping up alongside Ogbah and first-round rookie Chop Robinson since coming off the PUP list on August 12th, although he didn't participate in any preseason games. As Phillips prepares for his return, there is cautious optimism surrounding his readiness. His first real test will come on September 8th against the Jaguars, less than 10 months after his injury in a dominant win against the Jets ended his most productive campaign to date.
He has been steadily increasing his workload and has expressed confidence in his recovery. "It's really been kind of like a steady -- the last about a month and a half, every time I would start to add load and do new things, I would just kind of surprise myself with how my Achilles didn't get sore at all and it didn't really react at all," Phillips said. "There's been a couple of times where I'd be watching myself, watching whatever drills I'm doing, I'll see myself in my stance really pushing off of it, and there's no rebound, there is no weakness. It's just explosive, it's feeling great.”
Phillips is aware of the potential need for a snap count, particularly in close fourth-quarter situations, but he remains determined to contribute as much as possible. "Hopefully it doesn't come down to that," Phillips said. "Hopefully, we can go out there and handle our business.” Obviously, I'm going to be pushing to play as much as I can, but I've got to be smart at the end of the day. It's a long season, so we'll see how it goes." With the Dolphins aiming to surpass their second-place finishes in the AFC East from the past two seasons, Phillips' performance will be a crucial factor in their success. All signs point to him being physically ready to take on that challenge, but how he performs under the bright lights of the regular season will ultimately determine the impact of his return.
