Phillips Follow-Up Includes New Message, New Roster Status

Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips took to social media to address his fans.

Sep 30, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) walks off the field with an injury against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips is sidelined with his second consecutive season-ending injury, and he took to social media Thursday morning to tell fans not to feel sorry for him.

Instead, according to Phillips, they should feel sorry for anyone who has to face him when he gets back next season.

Don’t feel sorry for me…feel sorry for anyone who has to face me when I’m back pic.twitter.com/FA3tqJ5Zo5

— Jaelan Phillips ;🕴🏾® (@JJPhillips15) October 3, 2024

Instead, according to Phillips, they should feel sorry for anyone who has to face him when he gets back next season.

He included in his post an inspirational message stating that he will not give up on his dream, no matter how many times he is knocked down. He has faith in his higher power and said he will come back stronger than ever.

In essence, his message was, don't quit on your dreams.

Phillips announced on Instagram Wednesday that he will miss the rest of the season with a lower-extremity injury. On Thursday, it was learned that he has a partially torn ACL that will require reconstructive surgery, which means his 2024 campaign is over.

The Dolphins placed Phillips on injured reserve late Thursday afternoon.

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel told the media Wednesday that the injury is devastating news for Phillips, who worked very hard to recover from the torn Achilles he suffered last season.

"It's not exciting at all. Especially when you watch someone work so hard to earn every rep. It's tough and I think Jaelan [Phillips], as he has continually impressed me since I've gotten to know him, he recognizes that this is — in a contact sport, this is a contact injury and he doesn't know the whys necessarily currently, but he knows that he is not going to be worse but going to be better for all those things," McDaniel said. "So I was very impressed with — you don't try to forecast how anyone's going to react to that, understanding that there has to be a multitude of emotions. He's very positive and already working the process, and as football goes, you have to prepare numerous people to fill a role like that and I know the guys have a lot of motivation to accept that challenge because it's a great one."

McDaniel also explained that Phillips' injury occurred in the same place when safety Jordan Poyer was injured.

Outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow said Thursday morning that Phillips' mindset and determination will get him through this obstacle.

"You feel for him. And everything he's been through. The great thing about Jaelan is his mindset and the way he approaches things and the way he reflects. So I think he's in a great headspace and he'll talk to you guys about where he is and what he's got to do," Crowe said. "But obviously anytime someone goes down, it's the hard part about this league, but it is a part of this league. And you feel for him, but also you encourage him to work their tail off to get back."