Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips announced on Wednesday that he will miss the rest of the 2024 NFL season after suffering a partial ACL tear in Monday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. This marks Phillips’ second major injury in under a year, following the Achilles tear that ended his 2023 season last November against the New York Jets.
#Dolphins edge Jaelan Phillips is out for the season. His message: pic.twitter.com/YcBzKuL8ew
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 2, 2024
“I believe that our lives are defined by how we handle adversity,” Phillips wrote on Instagram. “In these moments of uncertainty, defeat, and sorrow, it is natural to question your purpose and wonder what is the meaning of this pain.”
Phillips rehabbed throughout the offseason following his Achilles injury and was ready for the 2024 season opener. The 2021 first-round pick had six tackles and a sack through four games before Monday’s knee injury.
“I know that my purpose is to inspire people to never give up, no matter how many times you get knocked down,” Phillips wrote. “I am a living testimony to the power of resilience and faith, and I feel strength in knowing that my God is greater than any obstacle. Through him I will persevere. There is nothing in life that you can’t overcome as long as you don’t quit.”
Phillips, 25, has 152 total tackles and 23 sacks throughout his 46-game career. Miami picked up the fifth-year option of his rookie deal in April. Ranked 26th in the league with an average of 1.8 sacks per game, the Dolphins will now rely more heavily on Emmanuel Ogbah, Quinton Bell, and rookies Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara with Phillips sidelined.
Miami’s defense could see a future boost when Bradley Chubb returns, though the edge rusher is currently on the physically unable to perform list after tearing his ACL late last season against Baltimore.
