Miami Dolphins Consider Ndamukong Suh as Potential Replacement for Injured Bradley Chubb

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ICARO Media Group
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02/01/2024 20h34

Late in the fourth quarter of Week 17's game against the Baltimore Ravens, the Miami Dolphins suffered a major blow when their standout linebacker Bradley Chubb went down with a torn ACL. With Chubb now out for the remainder of the season and potentially a large portion of the next, the Dolphins face the challenge of filling a significant hole on their defense.

Chubb's injury adds to the list of sidelined Dolphins starting edge rushers, as Jaelan Phillips had previously suffered a devastating Achilles tendon tear on Black Friday. As Miami gears up for a playoff run, finding a suitable replacement becomes a pressing concern.

One potential option that has emerged is the return of veteran defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The 13-year veteran, known for his five Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro accolades, recently visited with the Dolphins. Suh has expressed his desire to continue playing and with a roster spot now available, Miami could benefit from his experience and skills.

If Suh were to rejoin the Dolphins, he would provide depth on the defensive line, particularly in plugging up the middle and helping the team in run-stopping situations. Having previously played three seasons in Miami, including a Pro Bowl year, Suh is familiar with the team and could make an immediate impact as the playoffs approach.

However, it's important to note that Suh alone may not be a direct replacement for an edge rusher like Chubb. With the Dolphins likely to move Chubb to injured reserve, they may also be inclined to seek a true edge rusher to add depth to the roster. Another possibility is activating inside linebacker Jerome Baker off injured reserve to fill the newly vacated spot.

Moving forward, the Dolphins will rely on Andrew Van Ginkel and Emmanuel Ogbah to lead their pass rush. There is also the potential activation of Melvin Ingram from the practice squad, pending one remaining regular season game. With the losses of Phillips and Chubb, the Dolphins may have to rely on these three primary pass rushers to compensate.

As for Suh, the decision to add him to the roster may depend on various factors. The veteran is looking to play for a contending team and requires adequate compensation. With Miami currently having only $1.2 million in salary cap space for the year, the financial aspect could pose a challenge. Nevertheless, it's worth mentioning that Suh signed a contract with the Eagles last year during the season, including bonuses, for $750,000.

While Suh's fitness level and the timing of his potential addition raise valid questions, the Dolphins must weigh the option of incorporating him into the defense this late in the season. Additionally, they need to consider whether finding an edge rusher remains the priority or if Baker requires a roster spot this week.

With several factors at play, the Dolphins find themselves contemplating the possibility of Ndamukong Suh as a replacement for the injured Bradley Chubb. A decision will need to be made soon as the team looks to maintain their playoff aspirations and strengthen their defense for the challenges ahead.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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