Things just keep getting worse and worse for the Miami Dolphins. Off to an incredibly poor 1-3 start, the side has been wracked by injuries from the start. The loss of their quarterbacks has hit them the hardest, but their defensive line has suffered too. Cornerback Cam Smith’s out with a hamstring injury, linebacker Cameron Goode’s out with a knee injury, and safety Patrick McMorris has a foot injury.

Most recently, we’ve had news the Jaelan Phillips, edge rusher for the Dolphins, has been ruled out for the season, needing reconstructive surgery for his knee. The 25-year-old hasn’t been able to play this season at all, suffering a torn Achilles tendon last season. A 1st round pick in 2021 with a 4-year $14 million contract, the Dolphins picked up his fifth-year option this year. He would have been hoping to really impress this season, to lock in a better contract. Sadly, he has now confirmed on social media that he’ll be out for the season, but with a hopeful goodbye. “God is greater than any obstacle. Through him I will persevere,” Phillips said in his post.

Unfortunately, Jaelan Phillips’ exit leaves the Dolphins defense looking even patchier for the rest of the season. The Dolphins have made the playoffs two years in a row ever since hiring head coach Mike McDaniel, but a third appearance is looking less and less likely with every injury coming their way.

With both heavily stunted offense and defense, you can’t really expect the Miami Dolphins to perform at full effectiveness. But there might be some relief incoming soon.

Can the returning players turn the tide?

Though the defensive line’s been heavily impacted by the injuries, the offense fares no better, maybe even worse. They’re just not scoring, and at 11.3 points a game on average, they’re dead last in the league. Not to say the defense is doing much better, they’re ranked 26th in the league as of Week 4. Hardly winning any prizes. Plus, they’ve been sloppy in general, with the 3rd most conceded penalties at 37, for 336 yards.

But that offense might be up for a boost soon. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who’s been out since Week 2 with a concussion, might be due back soon, as early as the late October game against the Cardinals. Add to that the fact wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s due to be back soon, and the Dolphins are looking like a stronger side already. But will it come soon enough? Before Tua’s return, the Dolphins have to play two games against the Patriots and the Colts. Now relying on their third-string quarterback, Tyler Huntley, after Skylar Thompson was injured too, the Patriots might be manageable. They’re 1-3 too, and their quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, hasn’t clicked yet. But that Colts game? Well, after they defeated the Steelers last week, they’re looking like a tough side. Optimistically, Tua will return to a 2-4 side, not unsalvagable.

So are you safe to rule out the Dolphins for a playoff finish this season? Not yet, not yet.