Miami Dolphins: Top key man Announces Massive Injury
The Miami Dolphins are set for the 2024 season amidst high hopes. After concluding the regular season with an 11-6 record and securing a playoff berth, they suffered a decisive 26-7 defeat in the wild card round against the eventual Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.
As they prepare for the upcoming 2024 season, one of their key players had noteworthy news to share.
Miami Dolphins’ 26-Game-Starter Announces Massive Injury Update
According to Matthew Schmidt from NFL Analysis, Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the latter half of last season, raising uncertainty about his availability for the 2024 season.
However, Phillips himself has provided an optimistic update on his recovery progress. In a statement reported by Scott Salomon of Mike Farrell Sports, Phillips mentioned, “I’m feeling great. I’ve been attacking the rehab. It’s been a challenging process. You learn a lot about yourself through times like this. Adversity makes us stronger.”
The injury occurred in Week 12 of the 2023 season, interrupting a strong performance streak by Phillips, who had recorded at least one sack in five consecutive games at that point.
Throughout the season, Phillips played eight games in total, accumulating 43 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and an interception.
Phillips, who played college football at both UCLA and the University of Miami, was drafted by the Dolphins with the 18th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, he played all games, finishing with 42 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. In 2022, he appeared in every game again, posting 61 tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
The Dolphins Defense Will Look To Rebound In 2024
Miami’s defense faces potential challenges heading into the 2024 season, partly due to injuries and departures. Alongside Jaelan Phillips recovering from a torn Achilles and Bradley Chubb set to return from a torn ACL around midseason, the Dolphins have also experienced significant losses in free agency. Notably, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins departed for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Last season, the Dolphins ranked 10th in yards allowed but struggled more in points allowed, ranking 22nd in the league. The team’s approach to enhancing their defensive performance in 2024 will be closely watched as they seek to address these setbacks and strengthen their defensive unit.