Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips was carted off the field during the fourth quarter in the 34-13 win over the New York Jets in Week 12.
It was a non-contact injury that could be a potential season-ending Achilles tear.
Following the game, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel wasn’t optimistic when asked about Phillips’ injury.
“Don’t want to get ahead of myself, but not fired up about it,” said McDaniel.
What makes the injury more demoralizing for Miami fans is the team was leading 27-6 with under ten minutes to go in the game. There wasn’t an ounce of momentum going the Jets’ way, and it could be argued that the Dolphins should’ve been subbing out their starters.
McDaniel went on to discuss the emotional moment featuring players from both sidelines supporting Phillips as he was carted off the field in tears.
“It was emotional,” McDaniel said. “I think that’s one of the special things about this particular team is there’s a lot of shared journeys. Everybody sees what he puts in on a daily basis. Everyone knows how bad he wants to take steps in his game and be absolutely great in this league.”
Multiple Dolphins, including safety Jevon Holland and running back Raheem Mostert, cited the turf at MetLife Stadium as a root cause of Phillips’ injury.
This was the same field where Jets’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles during the Week 1 Monday night opener. The injury to Phillips will certainly continue the popular debate surrounding turf fields in the NFL.