Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips ruled out for season due to torn Achilles

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ICARO Media Group
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25/11/2023 22h11

Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips will be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a torn Achilles, as confirmed by head coach Mike McDaniel on Saturday. The injury occurred during Friday's 34-13 victory over the New York Jets, and Phillips had to be carted off the field in the fourth quarter.

Phillips' absence will undoubtedly leave a void in the Dolphins' defense, but Coach McDaniel expressed confidence in the team's depth and the ability of other players to step up. Linebacker Andrew van Ginkel, who has four sacks this season, and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, who signed a $65 million contract in the offseason and had 18 total sacks in the previous two seasons, are expected to see increased roles.

McDaniel emphasized that while Phillips cannot be directly replaced, the team will distribute his production across different players and strategies to compensate for the loss. The Dolphins are fortunate to have depth in their roster, which will allow for adaptation in the absence of Phillips.

In addition to the injury to Jaelan Phillips, the Dolphins also faced another setback in Friday's game when left tackle Terron Armstead suffered a quad injury. Coach McDaniel stated that Armstead's status is currently uncertain and will be evaluated on a game-to-game basis, potentially creating additional challenges for the team.

MetLife Stadium, where the game took place, seems to have a history of injuries. Phillips joins a long list of players who have suffered injuries on the turf field, including Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who tore his Achilles just four plays into the season. Safety Jevon Holland called the field "trash," and running back Raheem Mostert voiced his concerns about the playing surface, calling for action to be taken regarding the conditions at MetLife.

Despite the unfortunate injury, Coach McDaniel revealed that there may be some communication between Jaelan Phillips and Aaron Rodgers, as the Green Bay Packers' quarterback has shown interest in reaching out to offer support and advice. Rodgers, who himself is recovering from a torn Achilles and plans to return to practice in early December, is known for his diligent approach to recovery and could provide valuable insights to Phillips.

Phillips had an impactful season for the Dolphins, recording 6.5 sacks in the eight games he played. His absence will require other players to step up and fill the void left by his production on the field. The Dolphins will rely on their depth and adaptability as they navigate the remainder of the season without their talented linebacker.

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

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