Trade Candidate: Jaelan Phillips
While a lot of the focus in Miami right now is on the loss of star wideout Tyreek Hill, the attrition might not stop there. The trade market appears to be hungry for pass rushers, and the Dolphins may just be willing to open one up to the crowd in fifth-year outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips. 
The team’s second first-round pick in 2021, Phillps didn’t have to go far after finishing out his collegiate career at The U. A five-star recruit out of Redlands East Valley HS in southern California, Phillips first committed to play at nearby UCLA. He made an immediate impact as a true freshman before seeing his sophomore season come to an early end after only four games because of a season-ending concussion.
After being dealt multiple other injuries, including some from being hit by a car while on a moped, Phillips followed advice to medically retire from the sport. After the school year ended, though, Phillips transferred to Miami (FL), where he intended to return to football. He sat out the 2019 season, as required by the NCAA transfer rules at that time, before delivering a second-team All-American season for the Hurricanes. He opted to forgo his eligibility and was drafted 18th overall by Miami.
Phillips came swinging out the gate for the Dolphins. Rotating in off the bench most of the time as a rookie, Phillips’ 8.5 sacks were a half-sack away from the team lead, which he did achieve with seven sacks in his sophomore campaign. Over those first two years, in addition to the 15.5 sacks, Phillips compiled 17 tackles for loss, 41 quarterback hits, three pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.
In 2023, Phillips looked to be on pace for career-defining year. After missing three of the team’s first five games, he went on a six-game tear. In eight games total, Phillips had racked up 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. With six games left in the season, Phillips looked certain to achieve some new career highs. Instead, a torn Achilles tendon ended his season.
The Dolphins exercised Phillips’ fifth-year option, giving themselves a bit more time to see how he might recover and rejoin the team, and he worked hard to make his way back to the field in time for some training camp. He had overcome injury again and was ready to reap his reward. Unfortunately, Phillips’ injury troubles did not stay at bay for long. In just the fourth week of the 2024 season, Phillips suffered a partially torn ACL that would end that season, as well.
After three and a half healthy seasons of high-level play, it seemed as if Phillips had beaten his injury demons, coming back from the brink of football retirement to become a first-round pick and an NFL starter. In the past two years, though, the medical red flags from his past have begun to stick again.
Still, Phillips is healthy today. Once again working his way back to the field for the start of the regular season, Phillips has started every game so far for Miami and hasn’t appeared on a single injury report. He hasn’t amassed a sack, tackle for loss, or quarterback hit this year, but the Dolphins have been slow to work him back up to the volume of snaps he was playing back in 2022.
If a team is willing to give up some draft compensation for a partial-year rental of Phillips, it seems Miami would be more than willing to oblige. With Phillips on the final year of his contract, there’s a chance he could earn a lucrative deal in free agency if the team that trades for him doesn’t extend or re-sign him. If so, that team could potentially earn a compensatory pick for losing him.
The Dolphins, too, could just wait for the compensatory reward of letting Phillips walk in free agency, but according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, Miami would prefer to get a pick for the 2026 NFL Draft now rather than wait for the comp pick in 2027. Plus, because of the comp pick potential, they can ask for a bit more in draft compensation, though it may be a wash as the team receiving him would be taking on more than half of the $13.25MM base salary he’s due this year on his fifth-year option.
So, what teams might be interested in acquiring the 26-year-old with a bit of an injury history? It would likely be a team that is struggling to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and knowing the short-term nature of his deal, they could be hoping to contend this year. The 49ers fit that bill, considering their 18 pressures are good for second-worst in the NFL, despite the fact that they are one of only two teams to have played five games this year. The Commanders, Chiefs, and Eagles are also playoff-hopeful teams who currently sport middle-of-the-road pass rush numbers.
Regardless, there may not be much of a future for Phillips in Miami. Even if he could work his way past a slow start and finish the season strong, his brutal injury history may dissuade a Dolphins front office that has already watched him miss a good portion of the last two seasons. Counterintuitively, a brighter future for Phillips may await him outside of Miami.
Latest On 49ers’ Injuries
San Francisco is one of a few teams that have been bitten especially hard by the injury bug this season. Luckily, they’ve avoided the injury to their star running back that had everyone worried about to start the year, but in a crucial divisional matchup last night, the 49ers’ injury report ruled out five players, including the starting quarterback and three wide receivers. 
San Francisco was able to pull out a victory in last night’s game despite the team that’s taken so many hits thus far taking a few more in Los Angeles. The successful trip saw injuries sustained by defensive tackles Kalia Davis, Yetur Gross-Matos, and rookie Alfred Collins, as well as rookie cornerback Upton Stout, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The only one who appears to have gotten off easy is Stout, who avoided a high ankle sprain, just suffered a regular ankle sprain, and is currently day-to-day.
Davis, on the other hand, will require surgery to repair a broken bone in his hand. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the procedure was scheduled to take place today. There’s some thought that Davis could potentially miss as few as two games. As a defensive lineman, Davis doesn’t have too much use for the gripping mechanic of that appendage in a game, and some expect him to return to play with a club cast on his hand.
Gross-Matos had just come off his only full practice of the week as he worked his way back from a knee injury. While the knee seemingly held up last night, Gross-Matos is now set to miss time with a hamstring strain, which could mean a multi-week absence. The rookie, Collins, suffered a sprained knee. With the Thursday Night Football matchup allowing for a bit more time to recover before their next game, Collins may stand a chance at not missing time, depending on the severity of the sprain.
Lastly, while we knew that star tight end George Kittle would be eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 6 after being placed on list after the season opener, we’ve finally received some insight on a more specific timeline. Per Vic Tafur of The Athletic, head coach Kyle Shanahan informed the media that Kittle likely will not be able to make it back until at least Week 7. At best, this will limit the veteran in-line pass catcher to a five-game absence.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/3/25
Today’s practice squad transactions as we head into the weekend:
New York Jets
- Signed: RB Avery Williams
- Released: RB Lawrance Toafili
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: OLB Antwaun Powell-Ryland, CB Eli Ricks
- Released: DE K.J. Henry, DT Jacob Sykes
Yesterday, the Eagles released Powell-Ryland and Ricks and signed Henry and Sykes, making today a complete undoing of yesterday’s moves. Since failing to make Philadelphia’s initial 53-man roster, Ricks has been signed and released three times, making this his fourth time signing to the taxi squad.
Powell-Ryland is catching up to Ricks after being signed, released, and then signed again in each of the last three days. Similarly, this is Sykes’ second one-day stay on the practice squad, and Henry’s first after joining yesterday. It seems likely that the Eagles have worked out some handshake deals that allow them to keep some regulars nearby to fill out the practice squad without going over the 16-man limit.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/3/25
Here are Friday’s minor moves:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Claimed off waivers (from 49ers): DT Jordan Jefferson
- Waived: DT Howard Cross III
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed from practice squad: WR Alex Bachman
- Placed on IR: OLB Brennan Jackson
The Bengals are the second team to claim Jefferson this year. A 2024 fourth-round pick out of LSU, Jefferson couldn’t make it to Year 2 in Jacksonville and was waived in final roster cuts. Cincinnati tried to claim him then, badly needing improved depth on their defensive line at the time, but San Francisco had higher priority. When the Niners waiving him yesterday, the Bengals got a second chance to claim him.
Jackson is dealing with a foot injury that will take at least four weeks to come back from, making him an easy candidate for injured reserve.
Colts CB Xavien Howard To Retire
Xavien Howard‘s return to football was brief one. After eight years in Miami and a year away from the game, Howard’s new venture with the Colts has ended after four games as Indianapolis placed the 32-year-old cornerback on the reserve/retired list today. 
A four-time Pro Bowler and a one-time selection for both the first and second All-Pro teams over his career, Howard gave the Dolphins every bit of what was asked of him as a second-round pick out of Baylor. An immediate starter in Miami’s secondary, Howard struggled with injuries early in his career but showed enough promise in two mostly healthy seasons of his rookie contract to earn a five-year, $76.5MM extension shortly after his third NFL season.
After a rookie year in which a meniscus surgery caused him to miss all but seven games, Howard exploded onto the scene with 11 interceptions and 25 passes defensed over the next two seasons. After being rewarded with the above-mentioned extension, a nagging knee injury limited Howard to five games before ultimately ending his 2019 season. He came back to have the strongest season of his career, starting all 16 games, leading the league in both interceptions (10) and passes defensed (20), and earning first-team All-Pro honors.
Over the next three seasons, Howard would continue to provide solid pass defense. His interception numbers dwindled as he only picked off seven passes over that span, but his 40 passes defensed showed that his penchant for breaking up plays still remained. At the conclusion of the 2023 campaign, the first in which Howard failed to earn a Pro Bowl selection since his injury-plagued 2019 season, the Dolphins opted to release Howard with a post-June 1 designation as a way to clear out cap space.
Despite committing to playing and even fielding offers, Howard found no place to call his football home in 2024, missing out on the entire NFL season. He visited the Bengals during the team’s defensive struggles last year but never signed with a team. The Colts landed his signature in the weeks leading up to the 2025 regular season, reuniting Howard with the game of football and with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who had coached him for a couple years in Miami.
Week 1 started off strong for Howard, as his former team failed to manage any offense in their first time facing him on the other side of the field. Week 2 brought a sobering reality, though, as Denver picked on Howard, targeting him eight times and completing eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He showed slight improvement in a Week 3 game against the Titans, but Week 4 brought him crashing back down. The Rams targeted Howard 10 times, completing seven passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.
According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, “there were many questions about his viability” after the rough performances, “but no one saw this coming.” Holder went on to claim that the media was not aware of any plans to release Howard, and after missing practice today with a “personal day” designation, Howard came to the decision to retire on his own.
In a statement (via Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald), Howard explained, “Throughout my career, I’ve always played football for the love of the sport. I enjoyed everything that came with being a part of the NFL; it was my passion for the game that drove me. I love and appreciate the Miami Dolphins for drafting me and giving me the chance to play pro football. I cannot thank the Indianapolis Colts enough for letting me continue to live out my dream, but my dream has now changed.”
Howard goes on to explain how much he enjoyed spending time with his kids and family during his year away from the NFL before officially declaring his intention to retire from football. He concluded, “My purpose has been fulfilled in this sport, but my kids are more important to me than football. I’ve had a hell of a career, and even though it’s ending in a unique way, I’m cool with that because, for once, I’m putting my family first, and I’m proud and excited about that decision.”
Ravens Rookie OL Emery Jones Returns To Practice
As the injuries begin to tally up for the Ravens, a bit of good news comes their way. Third-round rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones has returned to practice in Baltimore, opening his 21-day practice window to be activated off the reserve/non-football injury list, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. 
Jones underwent surgery a week after the NFL Scouting Combine for a shoulder injury he endured at LSU. The Ravens were aware of the recovery timeline when they drafted him, so they were able to make a plan for his eventual return.
After Jones was drafted to Baltimore, there was plenty of speculation around just how he might contribute to the offense as a rookie. There was some hope that he may develop early into a role as a swing tackle or compete for a starting guard spot.
He started solely at right tackle for the Tigers but had some left tackle experience from high school. As a recruit, he was projected to be an interior lineman at the collegiate level, but he became the starting right tackle at LSU only two games into his true freshman season. As a draft prospect, Jones was, once again, projected for a likely move to the interior of the offensive line, but in Baltimore, it appeared that he would be given a chance to prove his worth at multiple spots.
He was originally expected to return sometime during training camp, but by early August, it became clear that it would be difficult for him to be ready for the regular season, closing any case for him to nab a starting job. It was a decision made by Jones, who opted to wait until he is “fully right” instead of choosing an abbreviated recovery in order to compete for a starting role.
So far, the Ravens seem to be keeping their word in letting him work to earn different roles. Head coach John Harbaugh told the media that they’ll look at Jones at both guard and tackle, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. The timing couldn’t be better with left tackle Ronnie Stanley missing practice today after being knocked out of Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs early with an ankle injury.
A look at guard could make just as much sense, considering how left guard Andrew Vorhees currently rates as the Ravens’ worst offensive starter, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required) and how right guard Daniel Faalele is often caught on the wrong end of some defensive highlight reels. As Jones ramps up for a return to the active roster, the Ravens will have no shortage of options to see where they may be able to improve most.
Patriots Open Practice Window For LB Jahlani Tavai
Four games have passed and the flurry of teams preparing to bring back injured players continues. The Patriots have joined the fray, opening the 21-day practice window for linebacker Jahlani Tavai, per Chad Graff of The Athletic. 
Waived after only two years in Detroit, the former second-round pick out of Hawai’i has found a place in the NFL as far away from his alma mater as possible. After clearing waivers, Tavai signed to the Patriots’ practice squad. He was quickly signed to the team’s 53-man roster where he played in 13 games, mostly as a special teamer. Starting the 2022 season as a backup, Tavai found himself in the starting lineup by Week 5.
Partway through his first season as a starter for the Patriots, Tavai landed a two-year, $4.4MM extension. After finishing second on the team with 110 total tackles in his first full season as a starter, New England added another three-year extension for $15MM, and Tavai rewarded their faith by leading the team in tackles with 115.
So far this season, last year’s starter next to Tavai, Christian Elliss, has been starting next to offseason addition Robert Spillane, but Elliss has looked like a shell of himself, unable to maintain the product he was putting on the field in 2024. The Patriots will hope to bring Tavai back soon, at which point he will likely push Elliss into more of a rotational role as he reassumes his starting spot next to Spillane.
Tavai will have three weeks of practice activity to be activated from injured reserve. After suffering a calf injury at the opening of the season, Tavai has always been aiming for a Week 5 return, and today’s transaction will put him on track for it. On the off chance that Tavai is not able to be activated within the 21-day period, he will be reverted back to IR without the ability to be activated this season.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/1/25
Here are Wednesday’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: RB Jermar Jefferson
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: G LaDarius Henderson
Detroit Lions
- Signed: CB Nick Whiteside
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: T Bobby Hart
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: LB Caleb Johnson
New York Jets
- Signed: OLB Tomon Fox
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: OLB Antwaun Powell-Ryland
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: RB Myles Gaskin
Washington Commanders
- Signed: WR Robbie Chosen
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/1/25
Here are the first minor transactions of October:
Detroit Lions
- Signed from practice squad: S Loren Strickland, LB Ty Summers
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed from practice squad: S Trey Washington
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed from practice squad: T Foster Sarell
Miami Dolphins
- Placed on IR: WR Tyreek Hill (story)
Tennessee Titans
- Claimed off waivers (from Packers): T Brant Banks
Washington Commanders
- Signed from practice squad: CB Antonio Hamilton
- Placed on IR: DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste (story)
Chargers T Joe Alt Suffers High Ankle Sprain
SEPTEMBER 29: Monday’s MRI has confirmed the diagnosis of a high ankle sprain. Rapoport reports Alt is now seeking second opinions, although in any case a notable absence is in store.
SEPTEMBER 28: As if it hadn’t been through enough, things went from bad to worse for the Chargers offensive line today when offensive tackle Joe Alt was carted off the field with an ankle injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport followed up that report with news that X-rays on the ankle came back negative for broken bones but that a high ankle sprain was the preliminary diagnosis. Alt will undergo MRI testing tomorrow to determine the severity of the injury. 
The Chargers came into today down two starters on the offensive line already. Regular left tackle Rashawn Slater is already out for the season with a torn patellar tendon, and starting right guard Mekhi Becton was ruled out for Week 4’s game due to a concussion. They lost their third starter on the line when Alt was carted off, leaving only center Bradley Bozeman and left guard Zion Johnson as the last of the original first-team offensive line remaining.
While we know Slater isn’t coming back to the field until next year, Becton should be back as soon as he clears concussion protocol. Alt’s timetable for return will depend on the results of the upcoming MRI. A high ankle sprain usually means an absence of, at least, a couple weeks. If the injury is severe enough, it could take months for Alt to return to the line. An absence of that length would be brutal for a team that has had such a promising start to the season.
Alt was only playing left tackle for the Chargers because of Slater’s injury. With Alt vacating the right tackle spot he played in his rookie campaign, Los Angeles has been starting Trey Pipkins on the right side. When the Chargers lost their second left tackle in as many months, it was Austin Deculus who came in to fill out the first-team offensive line at left tackle.
Pipkins had had prior experience as a starting tackle for the Chargers, though his time in that role was partially the reason for the team drafting Alt. He shifted in to a starting guard spot once Alt came in, but his return to a starting tackle role was not a necessarily difficult move. Deculus, on the other hand, has only started one game in his four-year NFL career, and even including that start, he has never played more than 38 snaps in an NFL game.
Deculus’ lack of experience is only a potential concern if Alt’s MRI comes back with bad news. If it turns out that the Alt is in for an extended absence, the Chargers will have to navigate that time with two backup tackles. They should know more about what they’re dealing with tomorrow.