In a significant move that underscores their confidence in his recovery, the Miami Dolphins have re-signed defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah following Shaquil Barrett's retirement. This decision highlights the franchise's commitment to maintaining a robust defensive line.
The team is also celebrating the return of Jaelan Phillips, who has been activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list just nine months after suffering a devastating Achilles tear. This marks a crucial recovery milestone for the 24-year-old defensive end, who was on course for a breakout season before his injury in Week 12 of the 2023 NFL campaign.
A Remarkable Recovery
Phillips' recovery is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Dolphins' training and strength staff, who have played a crucial role in his rehabilitation. The typical recovery period for an Achilles tear ranges from nine to twelve months, placing Phillips at the shorter end of this spectrum.
"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 shared, reflecting on the physical and mental challenges of his recovery process.
During his rehab, Phillips sought advice from several NFL players who had undergone similar injuries. He mentioned consulting with Shaq Barrett, Kirk Cousins, and Vince Biegel, as well as Cam Akers during his time in Los Angeles. "I've just been picking people's brains and kind of the main takeaway I've gotten from everybody is that they feel 100%... That just definitely reassured me. It feels great,” added Phillips.
A Key Player Returns
By activating Phillips from the PUP list, the Dolphins ensure his availability for the upcoming games. Had he remained on the list during the final roster cuts in late August, he would have been required to miss at least four games. His return couldn't come at a more opportune time, as teammate Bradley Chubb is still recovering from an ACL tear sustained in Week 17.
Phillips, who was drafted 18th overall in 2021, has already marked his presence with a total of 22 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over three NFL seasons. His return to gameplay is highly anticipated as he looks to continue striving for excellence and further solidify his role as a pivotal figure in the Dolphins' defense.
Overcoming Adversity
The journey back from such a significant injury has not been easy for Phillips. "Probably the highest I've been in my NFL career, and then to be humbled just like that, it was devastating," he recalled. "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." Phillips' resolve and faith have been critical in his comeback journey.
As the Dolphins gear up for the upcoming season, the re-signing of Ogbah and the return of a fully recovered Phillips bring a renewed sense of optimism to the team. With Christian Wilkins now with the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent, the return of Phillips is particularly timely.
The Dolphins and their fans eagerly await to see Phillips back on the field, ready to make an impact. His journey from injury to recovery serves as an inspiration, showcasing the grit and determination required to overcome adversity in professional sports.