Dolphins Can’t Count on Chubb And Phillips Returning To Form

Last week, Miami Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips made news when he said in an interview that he is ahead of schedule in his rehab and that his goal is to be ready for opening day. That is encouraging news that Phillips is ahead of schedule, but he tore his Achilles tendon in late November. I know that Achilles tendon procedures have come a long way over the years, but everyone comes back from them differently. Some don’t come back the same or take longer to return. Last year, nickel back Nik Needham worked his way back from an Achilles tear in October 2022, and he finally started getting on the field late last season. It took him over a year, and maybe he will be a better player this year, more than a year removed from the injury. 

Phillips may be ahead of schedule, but he still has other hurdles. He must build back up the strength in his leg and calf muscles. He must also show that he is effective on the practice field, which is months away, to prepare for an actual game. 

The same can be said for Bradley Chubb, who tore his ACL at the end of the week 16 game in January against the Baltimore Ravens. Like an Achilles tendon tear, ACL tears have come a long way, but everyone recuperates differently.  Chubb has had an ACL tear before in his career, so he knows what he is up against. To think he would be ready to start the season on time after nine months isn’t impossible, but most likely not. 

The Dolphins need Chubb and Phillips, but they need them to take their time returning until they are ready to play. Before their injuries last year, they were becoming a dominant force for the defense, but this was a setback for the team. It would be wise for the Dolphins to start the season with both on the list of those who are physically unable to perform to keep them out at least the first month of the season.