In a decisive move that underscores their confidence in his abilities and recovery, the Miami Dolphins have re-signed Emmanuel Ogbah following the retirement of Shaquil Barrett. This strategic decision aligns with another uplifting development for the team: the activation of Jaelan Phillips from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list just nine months after a devastating Achilles tear.
A Prodigy's Return
Jaelan Phillips, a 24-year-old defensive end, has made remarkable strides towards his comeback. Drafted 18th overall in 2021, Phillips had been amassing impressive stats with 22 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over three NFL seasons. He was on course for a breakout season before an untimely injury in Week 12 of the 2023 NFL campaign put a halt to his ambitions.
"Probably the highest I've been in my NFL career, and then to be humbled just like that, it was devastating," Phillips reflected on his injury. "But right when that happened, I remembered going to the shower and I was crying. I just told myself, '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."
Crucial Support System
The journey back has been arduous but steady, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Dolphins' training and strength staff. Phillips' return within nine months is a testament to their expertise and his unyielding resolve. "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," Phillips stated, praising the support he received.
NFL players typically require between nine to twelve months to rehabilitate from an Achilles tear, making Phillips' recovery timeframe relatively swift. Throughout his rehab process, he turned to several NFL veterans for advice, including Shaquil Barrett, Kirk Cousins, Vince Biegel, and Cam Akers. "I've just been picking people's brains," he commented, "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... whether it's a year or two years afterwards, they don't feel there is an injury there. That just definitely reassured me."
A Timely Activation
The timing of Phillips' activation was critical. Had he remained on the PUP list during the final roster cuts in late August, he would have missed at least four games. His return is timely not just for himself, but also for the Dolphins, who aim to shore up their defensive capabilities following Christian Wilkins' move to the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent and Bradley Chubb's ongoing recovery from an ACL tear sustained in Week 17.
"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," Phillips said, reflecting on the mental and physical hurdles he has had to overcome.
Looking Ahead
Having taken nine months to recover, Phillips is set to return to gameplay, aiming to further solidify his role as a pivotal figure in the Dolphins' defense. His resilience and determination have turned a potentially career-halting injury into a chapter of growth and strength. "I checked in with [Shaquil Barrett], he's checked in with me throughout the process. His situation is a little different than mine. 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," noted Phillips.
The pathway to his return was marked by intentional effort and unwavering support, making his comeback not just a personal victory, but a testament to the collaborative strength that defines the Dolphins' team ethos. As he prepares to step back onto the field, Jaelan Phillips embodies the resilience and excellence that make football more than just a game—it’s a testament to human spirit and perseverance.