Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips returns from unable to perform list

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips came off the active/physically unable to perform list and returned to practice on Monday in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Phillips' 2023-24 season ended abruptly when he tore his right Achilles during a Nov. 24 win over the New York Jets . The linebacker was on track for a career year, with 6.5 sacks through eight games.

"It's just been an up-and-down process," Phillips said after practice at the Baptist Health Training Complex. "Most things in life in general aren't linear, but especially recovering from a major injury like that.

"I've been through a lot of peaks, a lot of valleys, but I feel like I'm in a really strong part of my recovery right now, and I'm making a lot of big strides."

Typical recovery timetable for a torn Achilles is six to nine months, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery . Monday will mark eight months and 19 days since the injury occurred.

"What I got to learn about Jaelan Phillips is he's a very capable, strong learner," Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. "This was a test of internal fortitude."

Phillips, 25, totaled 22 sacks through his first 42 games for the Dolphins. The No. 18 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft did not miss a game through his first two seasons.

Phillips made six starts last season. He started 20 games between the 2021 and 2022 campaigns.

Emmanuel Ogbah, Chop Robinson and Quinton Bell are among the Dolphins other top healthy outside linebackers. Bradley Chubb , who started 16 games last season at outside linebacker and tore the ACL in his right knee in December, remains on the active/physically unable to perform list.

The Dolphins have not revealed a timetable for Chubb to return from that injury.

The Dolphins will face the Washington Commanders in their second preseason game at 7 p.m. EDT Saturday in Miami Gardens.