In a recent report by ESPN, the Miami Dolphins have officially placed star pass rusher Bradley Chubb, along with Isaiah Wynn and Cameron Goode, on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This unfortunate development means that the Dolphins will have to navigate through at least the first four games of the upcoming NFL season without the services of Chubb, who suffered an ACL tear last December.
For a team that ranked third in the league last season with 56 QB sacks, losing their premier pass rusher is a significant blow to the Dolphins. Adding to their woes is the departure of Christian Wilkins, who was second on the team with 9.0 sacks in 2023, as he transitioned to the Las Vegas Raiders during the offseason.
With Chubb sidelined, newcomer Calais Campbell will be tasked with providing stability to the pass rush until Chubb can make his return. However, the effectiveness of the 37-year-old veteran remains to be seen. The Dolphins are left with Zach Sieler (10 sacks in 2023) and Jaelan Phillips (6.5) as the only other established pass rushers on the current roster.
Chubb’s absence will be keenly felt by the team, given his Pro Bowl pedigree and leadership on the field. Despite playing in only 16 games last season, he managed to lead the team with 11 sacks and was ranked as the 15th-best edge defender by Pro Football Focus heading into the 2024 season.
The loss of left guard Isaiah Wynn further complicates matters for the Dolphins, as his absence will impact the protection of star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Wynn, who started the first seven games of 2023 before suffering a quad injury, has not been able to practice since.
Despite the setbacks, the Dolphins remain hopeful that Chubb will be able to return shortly after his mandated absence. With a high-powered offense, Miami will likely find itself in plenty of shootouts this season, making a stable defensive front crucial to their success. Dolphins fans can only hope for Chubb’s speedy recovery and return to action.
In the meantime, the Dolphins will need to rely on their depth and resilience to weather the storm until Chubb and Wynn are back in action. The road ahead won’t be easy, but with a talented roster and a determined coaching staff, Miami will look to overcome these challenges and make a strong push in the upcoming NFL season. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
