The Miami Dolphins pass rush has regressed substantially during the 2024 season. Currently, the Dolphins have 29 hurries (T-22nd), 26 QB hits (T-25th), 76 pressures (T-30th), and 21 sacks (T-31st) according to Pro Football Reference and a 40% pass rush win rate (19th) per ESPN Analytics. A reason for the Dolphins’ struggles in rushing the passer can be attributed to injuries to the outside linebacker position.
The Miami Dolphins elite Pro Bowler has yet to play a game in 2024
Bradley Chubb suffered a torn ACL against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 during the 2023 season. Chubb wasn’t quite ready to return to the football field at the start of the 2024 season. As a result, the Dolphins placed their two-time Pro Bowler on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list at the roster cutdown deadline. He has missed their first 13 weeks and 12 games of the season.
Also Read: Miami Dolphins: Dolphins Placed Their Elite, 2-Time Pro Bowl Defender on the PUP List
The outside linebacker is inching closer to a return
According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Miami Dolphins have designated Bradley Chubb and Cameron Goode for return from the physically unable to perform list this week. As Jackson points out, both players have a 21-day timeframe to practice, and after they practice, the Dolphins must activate them in 21 days before they revert to season-ending injured reserve. Finally, the expectation is for both players to return to practice on Wednesday.
Both will practice beginning Wednesday. Help on the way. https://t.co/VnSkCP9KD3
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 2, 2024
Who stepped up at OLB with their Pro Bowler out?
Rookie first-round pick Chop Robinson has stepped up with Bradley Chubb out of the lineup. Robinson’s role has increased over time as he currently is second in snaps on the team at the position, representing 50.47% of defensive snaps, behind Emmanuel Ogbah. He has done a decent job in rushing the passer and will only get better, with 18 tackles, five TFLs, eight QB hits, 3.5 sacks, 37 pressures, 29 hurries, a 77.9 pass rush, and a 68.5 overall PFF Grade. The rookie ranks T-5th in TFLs, T-2nd in QB hits, and T-3rd in sacks on the team.