The Miami Dolphins’ defense took a significant blow late in its game against the New York Jets when star pass rusher Jaelan Phillips suffered an ugly non-contact injury while rushing the passer. Here is the latest we know.
Latest Jaelan Phillips Injury Update
Phillips’ calf rippled as he tried to take his first step, an unmistakable sign that he suffered a significant Achilles injury. As he was carted off the field, an emotional Phillips covered his face.
“Absolutely devastated, but I feel strength in knowing that this is all a part of God’s plan, and that I have an incredible team and support system around me,” Phillips wrote on Twitter Friday evening. I’ll be back stronger than ever 💪🏽 Fins up 🐬🙏🏾”
Shortly after, the Dolphins announced the injury as an Achilles injury and ruled him out for the game.
#Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips goes down with a non-contact injury on this play and has to be carted off the field.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 24, 2023
If he did tear his Achilles, it would be the latest significant injury to occur on the MetLife Stadium turf, which has a long history of ending seasons. In the Jets’ season opener, Aaron Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury that may have ended his season.
“It doesn’t look great, but we’ll find out more tomorrow,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said after the game. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but not fired up about it.”
McDaniel added, per the Miami Herald: “[Jaelan is] the type of person and he has the right mindset where he’ll be able to turn anything that’s perceived as negative into a potential positive. But this is going to be tough and trying for him.”
Phillips’ injury is a total gut-shot to a Dolphins defense that has been playing at an incredibly high level the last month. Phillips, on the year, has 6.5 sacks and has bookended the Dolphins’ defensive front with Bradley Chubb.
If Phillips misses significant time, which seems very likely, it would mean an increased role for Andrew Van Ginkel and perhaps the reintroduction of Emmanuel Ogbah into the rotation. Ogbah hasn’t had a home in Vic Fangio’s defense, despite earning $15 million this season.
The condemnation of the MetLife surface on social media was universal.
“Trash,” is how Dolphins safety Jevon Holland referred to the playing surface after the game. “He was having a hell of year. It pulls you right out of your mode. YOu feel for him. Everyone feels for him. It’s really difficult, but we had to go out there and finish the job, because that’s what he wanted us to do.”
“Worst surface in sports claims another player,” said prominent South Florida-based agent David Canter on Twitter. “Disgusting and despicable that players safety isn’t paramount to any owners pockets. Open air stadiums should never be allowed to have anything but grass. BAN ALL ARTIFICIAL SURFACES.”