In a significant move that underscores their confidence in his recovery, the Miami Dolphins have re-signed standout defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah following the retirement of Shaquil Barrett. The team is also celebrating another milestone: the activation of Jaelan Phillips from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, just nine months after a devastating Achilles tear.
A Sudden Setback
Jaelan Phillips, a 24-year-old defensive end, was on the brink of a breakout season before his injury in Week 12 of the 2023 NFL campaign. Drafted 18th overall in 2021, Phillips has been a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ defense, amassing an impressive 22 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over three seasons. Yet, a sudden Achilles tear threatened not just his season, but his career trajectory.
The Road to Recovery
The journey back to full fitness has been anything but easy for Phillips. NFL players typically require between nine to twelve months to rehabilitate from an Achilles tear, and Phillips’ timeline was no different. Throughout his rehab process, he sought advice from several NFL players who had undergone similar injuries, including Shaquil Barrett, Kirk Cousins, Vince Biegel, and Cam Akers.
"I checked in with him, he's checked in with me throughout the process. His situation is a little different than mine. Shaq [Barrett] was somebody I talked to, I talked to Kirk [Cousins], but again another quarterback, it's kind of a different situation," Phillips explained. "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."
Unwavering Support from the Dolphins’ Staff
Phillips credits his remarkable recovery to the dedication of the Dolphins’ training and strength 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. I just, like I said, feel very fortunate to be back out here doing what I love again," he enthused.
This tireless support has instilled a renewed sense of confidence in Phillips, allowing him to focus on his game rather than his injury. "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 shared.
Returning Ahead of Schedule
Phillips' activation off the PUP list ahead of the final roster cuts in late August is a testament to his determination and the diligent efforts of the Dolphins’ medical team. Had he stayed on the PUP list, he would have missed at least four games at the start of the season. This pivotal move not only signifies Phillips' readiness to return but also bolsters the Dolphins' defensive lineup, especially with Bradley Chubb still recovering from an ACL tear he sustained in Week 17.
The Comeback Mindset
For Phillips, the experience has been transformative. "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, '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."
Looking Ahead
With Christian Wilkins having moved to the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent, Phillips' return couldn't come at a better time for the Dolphins. He is set to rekindle his path to NFL stardom, continuing to strive for excellence as he solidifies his role as a pivotal figure in the Dolphins' defense.
Phillips' story is one of resilience and determination, exemplifying the spirit of an athlete who refuses to be defined by setbacks. As he prepares to step back onto the field, the Miami Dolphins and their fans can look forward to witnessing the rise of this promising defensive end.