The Miami Dolphins have some major roster questions coming up as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches. Among them includes their pass rushing situation. With both starting edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb suffering serious season-ending injuries late in the year, Miami's situation at those spots is up in the air.
However, things might not be as dire as some have thought. Phillips was in attendance at the Miami Hurricanes' spring game - for whom he played in 2020 - and he gave an encouraging update on his rehab process and timetable.
"Rehab has been going great. Just attacking it every day. I'll definitely be back healthy for the season, and, God willing, stay healthy for the season."
Phillips suffered a brutal injury during the Dolphins' 34-13 win over the New York Jets the day after Thanksgiving. He planted and tried to get off at the snap, but he immediately sat down with training staff coming to assist him. Replays showed the sickening moment where his Achilles tendon popped, leaving Phillips in tears as the cart came out and took him off the field at MetLife Stadium.
Phillips was having a solid season until his injury, with 43 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss in 8 games. He was on pace to reach double digit sacks for the first time in his career.
If he can indeed return in time for Week 1 of the season, that would be a huge boost for the Dolphins' defense. Shaquil Barrett was added in the offseason and will surely man one of the starting edge spots.
Would the Dolphins still take a player like FSU DE Jared Verse or UCLA edge Laiatu Latu if either is available? Perhaps. Hard to ever have too many good pass rushers. That proved to be true when the Dolphins were using Melvin Ingram and Justin Houston in their Wild Card round playoff matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, if Phillips is correct about his timetable, the immediate urgency to address the position might be a little bit less.
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