The Miami Dolphins will add two major pieces to their defense this summer as Chubb and Phillips return from injuries.
The Miami Dolphins open their 2025 training camp on Saturday, beginning the six-week buildup for the NFL regular season. There will be a lot of focus on a team looking to bounce back from an underwhelming 2024 campaign, finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs. There are plenty of questions surrounding this version of the Dolphins, but there is one area that could have answers to their 2024 issues returning soon.
Outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are set to return from major injuries this summer. Phillips is looking to get back on the field, and stay there, this year after two shortened seasons the previous two years. In 2023, a torn Achilles tendon sidelined the 2021 18th overall draft pick eight games into the season. After working his way back for Week 1 of 2024, Phillips sustained a torn ACL in Week 4, ending his return almost as soon as it began.
Chubb missed the entire 2024 season after he torn his ACL late in the 2023 season.
The missed playing time from both players opened the door to increased snaps and experience for 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson, who struggled early but developed into a highly effective pass rusher during his rookie campaign. Now, with Chubb and Phillips ready to return, the Dolphins could have a triple-headed monster among their pass rushers.
Miami may be cautious with Chubb and Phillips early in training camp, giving them rest periods during practices to ensure they are fully recovered and prepared to withstand the entire season. Both players were participants in the team’s Organized Team Activities and mandatory minicamp this offseason, but did not miss some of the drills and on-field work. That same plan could be used to slowly build toward the regular season for one or both of the players.
Phillips recorded seven sacks in his last full season, playing in all 17 games in 2022. Chubb had 11 sacks in 16 games played in 2023. Robinson had six sacks last year, four of which came in the final seven weeks of the year as the rookie adjusted to the speed of the NFL.
As training camp opens for Miami, they are hoping Phillips and Chubb are ready to get back on the field. If they are healthy and productive, and if Robinson is able to continue to grow in his second year, the Dolphins’ pass rush could be elite this season (especially when you add in defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who had 10 sacks each of the last two years). Watching how the two veterans return from injury will be a key storyline to watch this summer.