As the Miami Dolphins gear up for their final push, the spotlight has shifted from their on-field prowess to the unfortunate series of injuries plaguing key players. Bradley Chubb, the standout linebacker, found himself among the casualties, dealing a significant blow to the team during Week 17.
The Dolphins not only had to grapple with a substantial 56-19 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens in their latest contest, but Chubb’s injury added another chapter of adversity to their challenges.
Bradley Chubb injury update
Amidst the Dolphins’ disappointing night, Bradley Chubb faced a devastating noncontact injury with merely three minutes remaining on the clock. ESPN reported ominous concerns within the team regarding a potential torn ACL.
In the late stages of the fourth quarter, Chubb endeavored to tackle Ravens running back Melvin Gordon III in the backfield. Nevertheless, just before reaching Gordon, Bradley’s knee appeared to give way, leading to his collapse on the turf. While Christian Wilkins and Jevon Holland managed to bring down Gordon for a four-yard loss, the more significant came as the loss of Chubb. Meanwhile, audible screams from Chubb were captured on the television broadcast as he clutched his knee.
Subsequently, Chubb remained on the field for an extended period, and during the commercial break, he was placed on a cart and ushered off the field. After being swiftly ruled out with a knee injury, it poses a substantial setback for the Dolphins team gearing up for the playoffs
The Dolphins coach, Mike McDaniel, conveyed that the extent of the injury would be clearer on Monday. This incident compounds the blows to Miami’s defense, with Tua Tagovailoa ruled out of the game due to a shoulder injury and edge rusher Jaelen Phillips sidelined for the season with a long recovery process in hand.
Since entering the league in 2016, the 27-year-old linebacker has completed a full 16-game season only in his rookie year.
Bradley Chubb’s performances this NFL season
Since the start of the season, Bradley Chubb has showcased his prowess on the football field, reaffirming his status as a defensive force. The two-time Pro Bowler left an indelible mark on the Miami Dolphins’ defense, accumulating 68 combined tackles, a team-leading 11 sacks, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries across 15 games.
The remarkable performance of the 26-year-old mirrored the caliber of his rookie season with the Denver Broncos in 2018, when he achieved a career-high of 12 sacks. This season, he fell just one sack short of that mark, illustrating his sustained excellence on the field.
After being acquired by the Dolphins in a mid-season trade from the Broncos, Chubb seamlessly integrated into the team, contributing 2.5 sacks in eight games, culminating in a Pro Bowl selection, his second in his career.
After being drafted as the fifth-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the 26-year-old Chubb made a significant mid-season move to the Dolphins, securing a lucrative five-year, $110 million deal.
The six-year veteran consistently proved his skills throughout his first full season with the Dolphins. His stat line of six forced fumbles, 11 sacks, two passes defensed, and 74 tackles underscored his dynamic impact on Miami’s defensive unit.
Nevertheless, his promising career has again been marred by recurring injuries, and this latest setback, if confirmed, may see him relegated to the sidelines for the remainder of the season, recovering from a visibly severe knee injury.
