The Miami Dolphins and their new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver are getting a key part of their defense back and it’s happening much faster than many expected.

During his press conference Monday morning, head coach Mike McDaniel announced that the team would be activating outside linebacker Jaelan Philips from the physically unable to perform list later in the day, a move that could change the landscape of the National Football League — or at least the AFC East. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t over the moon.

Phillips, 25, looked like the best player on the field at times last season and was on pace to break career highs in tackles, pressures and sacks before suffering an Achilles injury against the New York Jets on Nov. 24. Eight months later, Phillips is ready to get back on the field.

In three seasons, Phillips was a dominant force on Miami’s defense, starting 26 of 42 games for the Dolphins and recording 146 tackles (24 tackles for loss), 52 quarterback pressures, 22 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. His 8.5 sacks in 2021 were the most in franchise history by a rookie and a number he would have easily surpassed last season had he not suffered a non-contact injury in November.

In a corresponding roster move, the Miami Dolphins placed linebackers Grayson Murphy and Cam Brown on the reserve/injured list. With Murphy and Brown out, the team signed free agent linebackers David Anenih and Wyatt Ray.

Here’s what the Miami Dolphins official site had to say about Anenih and Ray.

Anenih entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Tennessee on May 13, 2022. He spent time in Atlanta in 2022 after spending training camp with the Titans and being part of Tennessee and Pittsburgh’s practice squads. Anenih also spent training camp with Arizona in 2023.

Ray is a three-year veteran who has appeared in 23 games in his career with Tennessee (2020, 2022), Cincinnati (2021) and Denver (2022). He has recorded 18 tackles (8 solo), 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble. He also spent time on the practice squads of Houston (2019), NY Jets (2019) and Jacksonville (2022).

What do you think about Jaelan Phillips’ return from the PUP list? Do you think he will completely transform Anthony Weaver’s defense? What do you think about the other roster changes Miami made? Let us know in the comments section below!