In a significant move that underscores their confidence in his recovery, the Miami Dolphins have re-signed Emmanuel Ogbah following Shaquil Barrett's retirement. Adding to their string of positive developments, the team is celebrating the activation of Jaelan Phillips from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, just nine months after a devastating Achilles tear.
Phillips' injury in Week 12 of the 2023 NFL campaign was a blow to the Dolphins' defense. At the time, the 24-year-old defensive end was on course for a breakout season, a trajectory interrupted by the Achilles tear. However, his swift return to action speaks volumes about the tenacity and dedication of both Phillips and the Dolphins' training and strength staff who played a crucial role in his rehabilitation.
The average NFL player typically requires between nine to twelve months to rehabilitate from an Achilles tear, and Phillips has managed to hit the minimum recovery time. He attributes much of this success to the unwavering support and expertise of the Dolphins' training staff. "I have such a good training staff here and such a good strength staff, and we've been working our asses off for eight-and-a-half months now," Phillips said. "I just, like I said, feel very fortunate to be back out here doing what I love again.”
Despite the challenges, Phillips has shown resilience and patience throughout his recovery process. "It's just taught me a lot of patience. Your body is going to be ready when your body is ready, so I've just been doing everything humanly possible to give my body what it needs and take the time to get after it," he noted. His positive outlook and rigorous effort reflect his commitment to returning stronger.
Phillips also sought counsel from several NFL peers who had undergone similar injuries, further fueling his confidence. "I checked in with [Shaquil Barrett], he's checked in with me throughout the process. His situation is a little different than mine, it's kind of not really comparable in that sense. Shaq was somebody I talked to, I talked to Kirk [Cousins], but again another quarterback, it's kind of a different situation. Vince Biegel is a guy who I played with. He did his Achilles a couple of times. Cam Akers when I was back in LA doing my rehab, he was there as well,” Phillips shared.
These conversations had a reassuring effect on Phillips, who found comfort in their experiences. "I've just been picking people's brains and kind of the main takeaway I've gotten from everybody is that they feel 100%. They don't feel like they had to miss a step or whether it's a year or two years afterwards, they don't feel there is an injury there. That just definitely reassured me, like I said, the more I've been able to do, the less I've been thinking about the Achilles and the more I've been building confidence. It feels great,” he added.
The significance of Phillips' return is not lost on the team. Due to the timing of his activation, Phillips would have missed at least four games if he had stayed on the PUP list during the final roster cuts in late August. His ability to return ahead of schedule means he will be able to contribute to the team’s efforts right from the start of the season.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins face other challenges within their roster. Bradley Chubb is in the process of recovering from an ACL tear he sustained in Week 17, and Christian Wilkins has moved to the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent. These changes underscore the importance of Phillips' presence and performance on the field.
Drafted 18th overall in 2021, Jaelan Phillips has amassed an impressive total of 22 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over three NFL seasons. His return is eagerly anticipated, not only by the Dolphins' management and coaching staff but also by fans who have witnessed his potential and work ethic.
Reflecting on the challenges, Phillips shared a poignant moment of his journey. "Probably the highest I've been in my NFL career, and then to be humbled just like that, it was devastating. But right when that happened, I remembered going to the shower and I was crying. I just told myself, like 'This is OK. I'm going to attack this. I'm going to get over this and this is going to make me stronger at the end of the day.' I really thanked God. I really said thank you. Thank you for giving me this opportunity because I know it's going to make me a monster.”
With his determination and the support system around him, Jaelan Phillips is set to return to gameplay and continue striving for excellence, further solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in the Dolphins' defense. His journey is a testament to resilience and the indomitable spirit of an athlete dedicated to his craft.