Jaelan Phillips ‘Motivated To Get Back For The Season’

Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips says it will be ‘tough’ to adjust to Miami’s new-look defense next season. 

Reportedly, Emmanuel Ogbah and Xavien Howard are set to leave the team as the Dolphins try to get under the salary cap.

“It’s going to be tough,” Jaelan Phillips said.

“Me, personally, Emmanuel was somebody who had me under his wings since I came in as a rookie. It’s really unfortunate to see him go, but the team’s going to rally around each other. Definitely going to miss my brother. Same thing with X. Those two were staples on this team for quite a while.”

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Jaelan Phillips has another challenge on his hands – returning from his torn Achilles injury. Phillips was on course for his best-ever season before sustaining the issue in November.

In eight games, he had 43 tackles, 11 QB hits, seven tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and an interception.

“It’s definitely different,” Phillips said. 

“It’s something that’s kind of new to me because I’ve never had a lower-extremity injury like that — long term, at least. So it’s been cool, it’s been a new experience learning my body and figuring out what to do is best for me. So it’s been great.”

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There is also a question over whether Miami will exercise the 2021 draftee’s fifth-year option. Phillips says he’s dealing with the uncertainty by focussing on his rehab.

“Been locked in and just motivated to get back for the season,” he said. “I guess the biggest thing I’ve taken out of it is just understanding that God has a bigger plan and sometimes life, things happen that it’s hard to find a reason why, but why doesn’t really matter, it’s how you respond. For me, just being able to keep my head up throughout this process and find some silver linings and just understand that I can use this time to improve on other aspects of my life. It’s been great so far.”