In a notable move reflecting their confidence in his remarkable recovery, the Miami Dolphins have re-signed Emmanuel Ogbah. This decision comes in the wake of Shaquil Barrett's retirement, signaling the franchise's strategic adjustments for the upcoming season.
Adding to the team's rejuvenation is the activation of Jaelan Phillips from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Phillips, a 24-year-old defensive end, has made a swift and commendable return to fitness just nine months after suffering a devastating Achilles tear.
A Remarkable Recovery
Jaelan Phillips was on the verge of a breakout season in the 2023 NFL campaign until his injury in Week 12 brought an abrupt halt to his momentum. The Dolphins' training and strength staff played a crucial role in his recovery, guiding him through a meticulous rehabilitation process. “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 acknowledged. “I just, like I said, feel very fortunate to be back out here doing what I love again.”
An Achilles tear is often a career-threatening injury, typically requiring nine to twelve months for full rehabilitation. Phillips managed to return right at the nine-month mark, showcasing not only his physical tenacity but also the robust support system around him. “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,” he reflected.
Support and Inspiration
Throughout his recovery, Phillips sought advice from several NFL players who had faced similar challenges. He drew insights and reassurance from their experiences. “I checked in with him, 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 [Barrett] 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 were pivotal in bolstering his confidence. “I've just been picking people's brains and kind of the main takeaway I've gotten from everybody is that they feel 100%,” Phillips said. “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.”
Motivation and Gratitude
Phillips’ journey was as much about mental resilience as physical recovery. “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,” Phillips recounted, illustrating his mindset following the injury.
A New Chapter
Had Phillips remained on the PUP list during the final roster cuts in late August, he would have missed at least four games. Instead, his timely activation keeps him in the fold as a vital component of the Dolphins' defensive lineup. Phillips, who was drafted 18th overall in 2021, has accumulated 22 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over three NFL seasons, highlighting his prowess on the field.
The Dolphins, while dealing with the loss of Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent and Bradley Chubb's ongoing recovery from an ACL tear, have found renewed energy in Phillips' return. His comeback is more than just a personal victory; it's a testament to the dedication and spirit within the organization.
Jaelan Phillips is set to return to gameplay, determined to continue striving for excellence. His resolve and the support he has received position him as a pivotal figure in the Dolphins' defense, ready to make an impact once more.