MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips found himself in an unfamiliar role Saturday during the 14th annual Dolphins Cancer Challenge:
Spectator.
Any other year, Phillips would have been a participant. He rode 100 miles for cancer research in 2023.
But that wasn’t a possibility this year. The fundraiser was held three months to the day after Phillips tore his Achilles tendon at the Jets’ MetLife Stadium.
The Latest on Miami Dolphins LB Jaelan Phillips
On Saturday, Phillips — walking around Hard Rock Stadium grounds without a scooter or even a brace — provided the following update on his rehab:
“I don’t know what the schedule is. All I know is I feel strong. I feel great. Just attacking this rehab has been awesome so far.”
A status update from @TackleCancer board member Jaelan Phillips pic.twitter.com/XqN8HhRu2I
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) February 24, 2024
Phillips added that this offseason is “definitely different. It’s something that’s kind of new to me because I’ve never had like a lower extremity injury like that, long-term at least. So it’s been cool; it’s been a new experience learning my body and figuring out what to do is best for me. So it’s been great.”
Phillips didn’t discuss any potential return timeline, and it seems unlikely that he’ll be full-go for the start of the Dolphins’ offseason program in a couple of months.
A more realistic goal is being ready for the start of the regular season — which is still seven months off.
“I honestly haven’t had any bad days throughout the whole process since surgery. Been locked in and just motivated to get back for the season.
“I guess the biggest thing I’ve taken out of it is just understanding that God has a bigger plan and, you know, sometimes life things happen that it’s hard to find a reason why, but why doesn’t really matter. It’s how you respond.
“So, for me, just being able to keep my head up throughout this process, and like I said, find some silver linings and just understand that, you know, I can use this time to improve on other aspects of my life. So yeah, it’s been great so far.”
Phillips does have a partner in rehab: fellow pass rusher Bradley Chubb, who tore his ACL a month after Phillips ruptured his Achilles.
“We’ve been pushing each other hard. We love each other, and we’re just motivating each other always and just getting each other right.”
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