Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips sustained a torn Achilles during Friday’s 34-13 victory over the New York Jets and will miss the rest of the season, coach Mike McDaniel confirmed Saturday.
Phillips was injured on a non-contact play with 9:45 remaining in the fourth quarter of Friday’s game. His leg gave out as he began rushing toward the Jets’ offensive backfield.
All of the Dolphins’ players came out on the field to support Phillips, who was highly emotional while being carted off the playing surface.
“Long journey starts now. … This can be a defining moment in a good way,” McDaniel said on Saturday.
The loss of Phillips potentially opens up a larger opportunity for Andrew Van Ginkel and Emmanuel Ogbah.
“Those two individuals will have to step up,” McDaniel said.
“You don’t necessarily replace him, but it gives different people opportunity.”
Phillips, 24, had a sack and four tackles on Friday. The third-year pro has 43 tackles and 6.5 sacks in eight games (six starts) this season. He missed time with back and oblique injuries earlier this season.
–Field Level Media
