Miami Dolphins' pass rush, led by Chop Robinson & Jaelan Phillips, dominates Aug. 2025 camp. Get the latest on their performance and Phillips' return from injury.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The South Florida heat on Thursday was nothing compared to the heat the Miami Dolphins' defensive front brought to the practice field. As the team gears up for its first preseason tilt, one storyline is dominating training camp: the absolute havoc being wreaked by the pass rush. The good news didn't stop there, as star EDGE Jaelan Phillips put a recent injury scare to bed, reassuring fans and giving the team a massive jolt of energy as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Those contusions hurt like a mug now, I'll tell you that much. But yeah, nothing long term, I'm back, I'm great.
You could almost feel sorry for the offensive line. The quartet of Chop Robinson, Bradley Chubb, a healthy Jaelan Phillips, and rookie Kenneth Grant has been a nightmare for quarterbacks in practice. Robinson, who is carrying major momentum from a stellar end to 2024, has been virtually unblockable. He's not alone, as rookie Mohamed Kamara made three huge flash plays and Derrick McClendon tallied 3.5 sacks in practice drills. The depth and intensity are palpable, signaling that this unit isn't just a strength—it could be the engine that drives the entire team this season.
The entire Dolphins fanbase held its breath after a recent injury scare involving Jaelan Phillips. On Thursday, everyone exhaled. Phillips was back at practice and spoke candidly with the media, delivering the quote of the day about his painful but minor contusion. He even took to social media to thank fans for their support and reiterate his health. Having Phillips back at full strength opposite Bradley Chubb is non-negotiable for the Dolphins' defensive aspirations, and his swift return is perhaps the best news to come out of camp all week.
While the defense steals the headlines, the offense is quietly putting together a strong camp. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has shown excellent command of Mike McDaniel's system, and his connection with dynamic playmaker Jaylen Waddle looks as sharp as ever. Just as importantly, the team has shown marked improvement in reducing pre-snap penalties, a sign of increased discipline. The energy is being matched by new additions on defense, with linebackers Willie Gay Jr. and Jordyn Brooks flying to the ball and solidifying the middle of the field.
On the injury front, the news remains mostly positive. Besides the welcome return of Phillips, no new major injuries were reported. The one player fans are keeping a close eye on is offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg, who remains on the PUP list. He was seen riding a stationary bike with a sleeve on his left leg, and his return will be crucial for the O-line's depth. Otherwise, the roster remains stable, with no trades or transactions to report as management focuses on evaluating the talent they have before making any cuts.
With the injury bug seemingly kept at bay and both sides of the ball showing flashes of brilliance, the vibes in Davie are overwhelmingly positive. All eyes now turn to Sunday's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. It will be the first real litmus test for this ferocious pass rush and a chance for Tua and the offense to prove their training camp success can translate to live-game action. The road to redemption after 2024's 8-9 finish starts now, and if camp is any indication, the Dolphins are ready to run through a brick wall to get there.
