Miami Dolphins Show Confidence in Recovery: Re-sign Emmanuel Ogbah, Activate Jaelan Phillips
In a significant move that highlights their belief in his comeback, the Miami Dolphins have re-signed Emmanuel Ogbah following the retirement of Shaquil Barrett. The team is also marking a major milestone with the activation of Jaelan Phillips from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, just nine months after he suffered a devastating Achilles tear.
A Promising Return for Phillips
Jaelan Phillips, the 24-year-old defensive end, was on track for a breakout season before his injury in Week 12 of the 2023 NFL campaign. Selected 18th overall in 2021, Phillips has already made a significant impact on the Dolphins' defense, amassing a total of 22 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over three NFL seasons. His return to gameplay signifies not only a personal triumph but also a boost for the Dolphins' defensive lineup.
Phillips’ road to recovery has been a testament to his determination and the top-notch support from the Dolphins' training and strength staff. "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," Phillips shared. "I just, like I said, feel very fortunate to be back out here doing what I love again.”
Patient Persistence and Hard Work
Rehabilitation from an Achilles tear typically requires between nine to twelve months, and Phillips has shown admirable patience throughout his recovery. "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 emphasized.
Throughout this challenging period, 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," Phillips noted, referencing his communication with Shaquil Barrett. "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.” Their support and experiences reassured Phillips, helping him build confidence in his own recovery.
His activation comes at a crucial time, as he would have missed at least four games if he had remained on the PUP list during the final roster cuts in late August. This timely return not only brings relief to the Dolphins but also aligns Phillips for a continuation of his pursuit for excellence on the field.
Impact Beyond the Field
Phillips’ perspective on his injury and recovery has been nothing short of inspirational. He recalled the emotional moment of his injury, stating, "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.”
His story resonates with many, illustrating the power of resilience and the attitude of turning setbacks into comebacks. Phillips is set not only to return but to potentially elevate his game to new heights, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in the Dolphins' defense.
Support from the Dolphins
As Phillips makes his return, the Dolphins also welcomed the leadership and experience of Emmanuel Ogbah, whose re-signing comes in the wake of Shaquil Barrett's retirement. In parallel, Bradley Chubb is navigating his own recovery journey from an ACL tear sustained in Week 17, further underscoring the team's commitment to resilience and recovery.
The departure of Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent has presented additional challenges for the Dolphins' defensive unit. However, the team remains steadfast in its strategy, heavily relying on the return of key players like Phillips to maintain their defensive prowess.
Looking to the Future
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Phillips as he aims to build on his impressive stats and continue his upward trajectory. His recovery and return serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication and hard work required to excel at the highest levels of professional sports.
The Miami Dolphins, emboldened by the resilience of players like Phillips, are poised to face the upcoming challenges with renewed vigor. With their roster bolstered by strategic re-signings and the return of key defensive players, the Dolphins' defense looks to remain a formidable force in the NFL.