The Miami Dolphins have bolstered their defensive line by activating Jaelan Phillips, their dynamic pass rusher, from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed this action on Monday, signaling Phillips’ return less than nine months after he suffered an Achilles injury.
Phillips, who was originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has shown remarkable recovery speed from an injury that typically sidelines players for up to a year. His rehabilitation efforts were frequently praised by both his coaching staff and teammates, highlighting his determination to return to playing form ahead of the upcoming 2024 NFL season.
Phillips had been on a trajectory for his best professional season in 2023 before the injury occurred in Week 12. Had he not been activated from the PUP list prior to the final roster cuts at the end of August, he would have been required to miss the first four games of the season. Now, cleared to practice, Phillips is poised to contribute immediately to a Dolphins team in need of his defensive prowess.
The Dolphins, still without services from edge rusher Bradley Chubb and former star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders during free agency), will greatly benefit from Phillips’ return. In his three NFL seasons prior to the injury, Phillips had accumulated 22 sacks and 24 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses dramatically.
This defensive reinforcement comes after Miami re-signed veteran Emmanuel Ogbah earlier this summer following the unexpected retirement of Shaquil Barrett. Phillips’ return should significantly boost the Dolphins’ defensive line as they prepare for the challenges of the 2024 season.