Dolphins‘ linebacker Jaelan Phillips is out of the season after tearing his right Achilles during the Jets game. But the manner in which he had it has got people surprised. He wasn’t tackled and didn’t land on his feet awkwardly either. Rather, it happened when Phillips attempted a run during the start of a play in the fourth quarter. After taking a step with his left foot, his right Achilles popped, causing him to crumble in pain immediately.

Just so it happens to be, the Dolphins are the featured team of the season in HBO’s Hard Knocks. Recently, all its latest episodes have centered around the LB’s injury, who just underwent surgery. In one such episode, Phillips talked about the horrific moment at his rehab center. He also detailed the reactions of his teammates and mother, who couldn’t control her emotions next to a Dolphins legend.

Jaelan Phillips reveals emotional team moment following his injury

This particular episode of the show captured Phillips braced in plaster and medical equipment after he had his surgery on Wednesday morning. Rehabbing Phillips revealed his reaction when he saw the clip of his team surrounding him for the first time. They were there for him as the LB was being put on a kart to be transferred to a local hospital.

“You know, when I saw the clip after the game of my whole entire team surrounding me on the field, I mean, that just, that means everything to me”, Phillips disclosed. Dolphins legend Dan Marino saw it live from the stands, and he had to console the LB’s mom who completely broke down, “My mom was crying on Dan Marino’s shoulder.”

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The LB further added that the incident physically broke him down, but mentally made him stronger than ever, giving him a positive outlook even in this troubling situation. He also stated, “Yeah, it’s gonna be a long process but I just know that, yeah, I’m a fighter. Imma keep fighting, so.”

The linebacker is now out from the season. But how does his injury affect the rest of the Dolphins season? The team needs an experienced name to fill the void as the postseason is approaching. And they can consider themselves lucky, as there is one free agent available in the market that exactly fits their purpose.

Would the Dolphins break rhythm without the service of Jaelan Phillips?

The accurate answer to the question only can be revealed with time. But one thing remains certain, the situation for the Phins won’t be the same anymore. The LB was a significant part of their defense and had already accumulated 43 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 1 interception in 8 games this season.

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But Phillips’ absence hits them right where it hurts the most. With 8 wins in 11 games, the playoff spot is sealed for the Miamians. And they had just started to brace for the postseason, drawing out possible plans to avoid last season’s early fumble in the wild-card round.

The unexpected good news potentially is that Phillips’ departure adds the Dolphins to the list of probable employers for former 3x All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard, who was recently released by the Colts. With Leonard’s waiver being cleared and the Dolphins having the cap space to sign him, he could be the ideal replacement for Phillips. But can they exploit the opportunity amid speculations of other big franchises trying to snatch the LB? We will be informed within a few days!

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