Miami Dolphins Show Confidence in Emmanuel Ogbah and Jaelan Phillips
In a series of moves that showcase their strategic intent and confidence in their players, the Miami Dolphins have re-signed Emmanuel Ogbah following Shaquil Barrett's retirement. This decision highlights not only Ogbah's value to the team but also the franchise's forward-thinking approach in maintaining a robust defensive lineup.
Another significant development for the Dolphins is the activation of Jaelan Phillips from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Just nine months after a devastating Achilles tear, this young defensive end is set to make his return to the field. Phillips, who was just 24 when he suffered the injury in Week 12 of the 2023 NFL campaign, was on course for a breakout season. His recovery marks a significant milestone both for him personally and for the Dolphins' defensive prospects.
The Road to Recovery
The Dolphins' training and strength staff played an instrumental role in Phillips' rehabilitation, an effort that's been evident in his impressive recovery timeline. "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. I just, like I said, feel very fortunate to be back out here doing what I love again," said Phillips.
An Achilles tear typically sidelines NFL players for nine to twelve months, and Phillips' return at the nine-month mark speaks volumes about his determination and the 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 and take the time to get after it,” he added.
Throughout his rehab process, Phillips sought advice from several NFL players who had endured similar injuries. "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,” said Phillips.
This network of support proved invaluable, as Phillips drew strength and reassurance from their experiences. "I've just been picking people's brains and kind of the main takeaway I've gotten from everybody is that they feel 100%. 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."
Poised for a Return
Had Phillips remained on the PUP list during the roster cuts in late August, he would have been ineligible for at least the first four games of the season. His timely activation serves as a testament to his dedication and the effective collaboration of the Dolphins' medical and training staff. Phillips was drafted 18th overall in 2021 and has since amassed a commendable 22 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over three NFL seasons. His return is highly anticipated, as he aims to continue striving for excellence and solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in the Dolphins' defense.
The journey back has been both humbling and enlightening for Phillips. “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."
Resilient Dolphins Take the Field
The Dolphins have faced several challenges this offseason, including the recovery of Bradley Chubb from an ACL tear he sustained in Week 17 and the departure of Christian Wilkins, who moved to the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent. Yet, despite these obstacles, the team continues to demonstrate resilience and strategic foresight. Re-signing key players like Ogbah and welcoming back a rejuvenated Phillips are moves that only bolster their defensive front.
As the new season approaches, the Dolphins find themselves well-equipped, with a robust defense poised to make significant strides. With Phillips' return, the team not only gains a talented player but also a testament to the power of resolve and perseverance.