Comeback Hopes Rise with Practice Return for the Miami Dolphins

After a midseason slump that raised questions about their Super Bowl aspirations, the Miami Dolphins have received a much-needed boost: key injured players are returning to practice. The Dolphins, who started the 2024 season 9-2 but dropped three of their next four games due to a wave of injuries, saw two critical contributors—defensive end Jaelan Phillips and left tackle Terron Armstead—take the field for limited practice reps this week. For a team fighting to secure a top-two seed in the AFC and avoid a first-round playoff bye, these returns aren’t just about roster depth; they’re a signal that the Dolphins’ full strength could be back in time for the postseason. Comeback Hopes Rise with Practice Return for the Miami Dolphins explores the impact of these key returns, why they’re lifting team morale, and how they could reshape the Dolphins’ playoff trajectory.

Comeback Hopes Rise with Practice Return for the Miami Dolphins begins with the context of the Dolphins’ injury struggles and why these returns matter. Phillips, a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end, has been sidelined since Week 12 with a Grade 2 calf strain—leaving a massive hole in Miami’s pass rush. Without him, the Dolphins’ defense has recorded just 6 sacks in four games, down from their season average of 3.2 sacks per contest. Armstead, meanwhile, has missed two games with a knee injury, forcing the Dolphins to start backup Liam Eichenberg at left tackle—a move that exposed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to more pressure (Tagovailoa has been sacked 8 times in Armstead’s absence, compared to 1.5 sacks per game when Armstead is healthy). “Losing Jaelan and Terron was a one-two punch,” said Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. “They’re not just starters—they’re leaders on both sides of the ball. Having them back in the building, even for limited reps, gives everyone a lift. You can feel the energy at practice again.”

A key reason these practice returns are fueling comeback hopes is the players’ progress and the team’s cautious but optimistic approach. Phillips participated in individual drills and light team work on Wednesday, moving without visible discomfort and even recording a sack in a simulated scrimmage. Armstead, meanwhile, focused on blocking drills and positional work, avoiding contact but showing the footwork and strength that have made him one of the league’s top left tackles. Dolphins medical staff have not yet cleared either player for game action, but their return to practice is a critical step toward a Week 17 return against the Buffalo Bills—a must-win game for the Dolphins to secure the AFC East title. “We’re taking it day by day, but the signs are positive,” said Dolphins head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion. “Both players have hit all their rehab milestones, and their feedback has been great. We want to make sure they’re 100fore they step on the field, but their progress so far is exactly what we hoped for.”

A critical aspect of Comeback Hopes Rise with Practice Return for the Miami Dolphins is how these returns will strengthen the Dolphins’ playoff readiness—and what it means for the current Miami Dolphins team. Phillips’ return will immediately revitalize Miami’s pass rush, pairing him with defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to form a duo that has combined for 14 sacks this season. This will be crucial against playoff-caliber quarterbacks like Josh Allen (Bills) and Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), who thrive when given time to throw. Armstead’s return, meanwhile, will protect Tagovailoa’s blind side and stabilize an offensive line that has struggled to open running lanes without him (the Dolphins have rushed for just 92 yards per game in Armstead’s absence, down from 128 yards per game with him). For the Miami Dolphins, these returns aren’t just about winning the final regular-season game—they’re about building momentum for the playoffs. “When you have your best players on the field, you feel like you can beat anyone,” Tagovailoa said after practice. “Jaelan makes our defense dangerous, and Terron makes our offense click. Having them back gives us the confidence we need to make a deep run.”

Another important angle of Comeback Hopes Rise with Practice Return for the Miami Dolphins is the impact on team morale and the locker room dynamic. The Dolphins’ recent slump had led to quiet frustration among players, with some questioning whether the team could compete for a Super Bowl without their key contributors. But Phillips and Armstead’s return to practice has changed that mood, with players sharing videos of their drills on social media and celebrating small wins during practice. “It’s like a weight has been lifted,” said wide receiver Tyreek Hill. “We’ve been fighting hard, but it’s tough when you’re missing guys who make such a big difference. Seeing Jaelan out there rushing the passer and Terron blocking—you can’t help but get excited. This is the team we know we can be.” For the Miami Dolphins, this morale boost is just as important as the on-field talent. Playoff football is as much about mental toughness as physical skill, and these returns have reaffirmed the team’s belief in their ability to compete with the NFL’s best.

Wrapping up Comeback Hopes Rise with Practice Return for the Miami Dolphins is what these returns mean for the Dolphins’ legacy and their place in the AFC playoff picture. The Dolphins entered the season as Super Bowl contenders, but their midseason slump had pushed them to the periphery of title talks. With Phillips and Armstead on track to return, they’re poised to reemerge as a legitimate threat—joining the Chiefs and Bills as the AFC’s top contenders. A healthy Dolphins team has one of the league’s most explosive offenses (led by Tagovailoa, Hill, and Jaylen Waddle) and a defense that can shut down opposing passing attacks when at full strength. “This is a turning point for our season,” McDaniel said. “We’ve faced adversity, but we’ve stayed together. Having Jaelan and Terron back is a reminder that we’re not done yet—we’re just getting started.” For the Miami Dolphins, the practice returns of Phillips and Armstead aren’t just a temporary fix—they’re a chance to rewrite their season story, from a team derailed by injuries to a team that overcomes adversity to compete for a championship. Comeback Hopes Rise with Practice Return for the Miami Dolphins isn’t just about two players coming back—it’s about a team rediscovering its confidence and its path to the Super Bowl.