Jaelan Phillips, the Miami Dolphins’ edge defender and a 2021 first-round pick, expressed his satisfaction on Thursday, 17 days after resuming practice following an Achilles injury. The injury, which he sustained during Black Friday, is now reportedly a non-issue for him. Phillips marveled at his body’s positive reaction to increased activity, noting a lack of soreness and any significant response from his Achilles.
Despite the severe nature of his injury, Phillips didn’t play in the preseason, focusing instead on conditioning and adjusting to the physical demands ahead of the regular season schedule while ensuring no further injuries. “I felt great,” Phillips remarked about his progress and his rigorous routine during the offseason that included walkthroughs with his coach.
Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver mentioned that the team would continue to monitor Phillips’ condition to determine his playtime early in the season. Phillips himself echoed his readiness to contribute as much as possible but acknowledged the importance of being cautious considering the lengthy NFL season ahead.
Last year, before his injury, Phillips was performing exceptionally well, recording a streak of sacks in games, including a notable performance against the New York Jets. Looking ahead, Phillips avoids setting specific targets like sack counts but focuses on overall effectiveness and disrupting the opposing teams’ play.
Concluding his thoughts, Phillips shared his eagerness and optimism about making an impactful return for the 2024 season. “I feel great,” he reiterated, underlining his successful recovery and readiness to return to peak performance.
