Miami Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during their 34-13 win over the New York Jets on Black Friday, head coach Mike McDaniel announced Saturday.
The 24-year-old sustained the non-contact injury early in the fourth quarter. A replay of Phillips’ reaction to the snap showed signs of an Achilles injury, which was confirmed by an MRI. Falling to the turf at the line of scrimmage, he was eventually carted off.
A majority of Phillips’ teammates stayed with him while trainers did their evaluations. The broadcast showed him sobbing into a towel en route to the locker room.
Reporters saw Phillips walking with crutches and a walking boot on his right ankle. While some hoped it was a calf injury, McDaniel took the podium in a postgame news conference and said he wasn’t optimistic.
Still, Phillips took to social media to share a positive message:
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. I’ll be back stronger than ever Fins up
— Jaelan Phillips ;® (@JJPhillips15) November 25, 2023
Dolphins safety Jevon Holland and running back Raheem Mostert targeted the Jets’ playing surface in their comments after the game. MetLife Stadium has been consistently condemned for its track record of injuries.
It was especially pertinent for Holland, who also sustained an injury in the fourth quarter. He was announced as questionable to return with a knee injury after a low tackle attempt.
He called MetLife’s turf “trash,” citing its bad reputation. Mostert agreed, saying, “We’ve got to do something about this turf and this playing surface.”
But the turf issue won’t be resolved any time soon, and the Dolphins have bigger fish to fry. Phillips’ absence comes after he proved himself to be an important part of the team’s defense.
The Dolphins selected him with the 18th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami. His third season in the league ends with totals of 43 tackles, 6.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, 11 QB hits and an interception.
He and Bradley Chubb, who has six sacks this season, were a strong duo off the edge. Without Phillips, the team will likely turn to Emmanuel Ogbah and Andrew Van Ginkel.
In addition to integrating a proper replacement for Phillips, the Dolphins are faced with making a decision about his future as he recovers. This offseason, he will be eligible to have his fifth-year rookie option picked up.
