Dolphins start camp with some key players on the PUP list
The Miami Dolphins had so much terrible luck with injuries in the 2023 Season that it felt like they ate a bag of black cats. There’s no doubt it was a key reason for them burning out at the end of the season just as there’s no doubt health will play a key role in their success this season. So the fact that Miami was cautious with their players and added a bunch to the Physically Unable to Perform list was expected. The good news is that their star pass rusher Jaelen Phillips looks incredible in a recent video of his training. Still, Phins fans should bet with the best pay per head the usually cautious Dolphins staff to take their time bringing back these players. This is fine because this 2024 team is expected to make the playoffs and late-season cavalry will be key for their chances.
So, here are the players who went to the PUP and what to expect for their timetable.
Miami has a few key players coming off serious injuries
The Dolphins announced that RB Salvon Ahmed was placed on the active/non-football injury list and LB Bradley Chubb, LB Cameron Goode, LB Jaelan Phillips, and OL Isaiah Wynn to the active/physically unable to perform list. Ahmed was the only slight surprise to me, but considering the backfield has Devon Achane, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, and rookie Jaylen Wright, this isn’t a big hit. I doubt Ahmed makes the roster. I expect him to get cut or be pulled into the practice squad before Week 1 of the Regular Season.
I expect Chubb, Goode, and Phillips to go to Injured Reserve to start the season, which is fine because they need to be healthy before they are brought back. The great news is the Dolphins drafted rookies Muhamed Kamara and Chop Robinson and signed veteran Free Agents Calais Campbell and Shaq Barrett to give Chubb and Phillips all the time they need.
Will Phillips be even better after the injury?
Jaelen Phillips looks even better physically in recent photos and videos than before his injury. Can his time away in rehab make him more of a physical freak? The video of him doing the ladder drill was an amazing feat of agility and recovery. His time away from the game with a whole year of building his body and heading into his 5th-year option could have Phillips taking his game to another level. That is of course when he gets to 100%, which I have to believe will be somewhere after the 1 Qtr of the season has passed. Again, this is fine because the key is to get Phillips back and keep him. Can you imagine Chubb, Chop, Kamara, Barrett, Campbell, AND an improved Phillips?
Well, camp is almost here and we have to pray this will be a camp where we win with the health of our players. If we can keep healthy this Training Camp and get our guys on the PUP back, maybe we can shake the heavens this season! Go Phins!!!