The Miami Dolphins had one of the best pass rushes in the league, ranking 1st in QB hits, 3rd in pressures, 3rd in pressure percentage, 3rd in sacks, and 10th in pass rush win rate.
Despite having one of the best pass rushes in the league, the Dolphins were an early exit in the playoffs partly because the outside linebacker position was plagued with injuries, as four players suffered season-ending injuries, including their two starters.
The leading sacker of the Miami Dolphins suffered a knee injury in Week 17
Bradley Chubb tore his ACL during garbage time against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17. Chubb’s estimated timetable to return is unclear.
Their other starter gave an encouraging injury update not too long ago.
The starting outside linebacker of the Miami Dolphins gave an encouraging injury update
Jaelan Phillips tore his Achilles against the New York Jets in Week 12. He gave an encouraging injury update and would like to be ready by Week 1.
“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 played in eight games, starting six in 2023, with 43 tackles, seven for a loss, 11 QB hits, 6.5 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections, and a 79.2 PFF Grade before the injury.
The Dolphins have a backup plan if Phillips misses time in 2024.
The Miami Dolphins signed a Pro Bowl outside linebacker
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Shaq Barrett.
The Dolphins signed Barrett to a 1-year, $7 million contract with a $5.54 million signing bonus and $6.75 million guaranteed. He will have a base salary of $1.21 million and a cap hit of $2,553,294 for 2024. His contract voids in 2025, and he will incur a dead cap hit of $4,432,000.
Barrett will be on his third team in his tenth year in the NFL and has 400 tackles, 73 for a loss, 125 QB hits, 59 sacks, three interceptions, and 22 forced fumbles in his career.
If Chubb or Phillips cannot play near the start of the season, Barrett will likely start.
What happens if both Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips miss time in 2024?
If Phillips and Chubb miss time next season, the Dolphins will have to count on Shaq Barrett and Cameron Goode.
Goode will be in his third year in the NFL. He played in 17 games last season with six tackles and two QB hits. He suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon in Week 18.
When will Jaelan Phillips return to the football field?
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