If there is one word that could sum up the Miami Dolphins' 2023 season, it would likely simply be: injuries. Despite many injuries that decimated the Dolphins on both sides of the ball, perhaps none was more heartbreaking than that of OLB Jaelan Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the second half of the Dolphins' 34-13 win over the New York Jets the day after Thanksgiving.
However, Phillips checked in on social media on Wednesday, providing an encouraging update to fans on where he stands in his recovery.
Phillips also posted a video on his Instagram account story of him walking on a treadmill.
Phillips suffered a torn Achilles tendon against the Jets when he was trying to get off the ball at the start of a play. He immediately sunk to the ground and waiting for trainers. Replays showed a pop in his calf in a manner that no one in his or her right mind would want to see again. Phillips broke down into tears as coaches and players kneeled by his side while the cart was brought out. He had surgery on November 29 to repair the tendon.
Phillips' loss was felt by Miami's defense, which began to become a unit of attrition as the last two months of the season went on. Bradley Chubb tore his ACL late in the Dolphins' 56-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Andrew Van Ginkel suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 18 against the Bills.
It will be a long road before Phillips is on a football field again going all out. However, the phrase "you have to walk before you can run" is apropos here, and Phillips is already on the first step of that path back.
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