The Miami Dolphins got a crucial division win on the road on Black Friday, beating the New York Jets 34-13 to move to 8-3 on the season.
It wasn’t all good news for Mike McDaniels’ team, however. Star linebacker Jaelan Phillips had to be carted off the field during the game after suffering a non-contact Achilles injury.
It’s far from the first high-profile Achilles injury to occur at MetLife Stadium this season. Aaron Rodgers’ season came to an end in stunning fashion on the same field in prime time back in September on the opening drive of the year.
The usage of artificial turf at stadiums like MetLife has come under scrutiny this season due to injuries, and Dolphins players did not mince words when it came to their frustration after the game.
Jevon Holland in the MetLife field
“That field trash” pic.twitter.com/Bga5WnzitK
— 𝘼𝙇𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙨 ™ (@AIR305) November 24, 2023
Raheem Mostert: We’ve got to do something about this turf. Mostert explains that there’s not as much as give on turf as compared to grass. pic.twitter.com/R9gOmczLiY
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 24, 2023
As far as Phillips’ health, McDaniel didn’t provide much of an update other than to say it didn’t look good.
Mike McDaniel on Jaelan Phillips’ Achilles injury: “Doesn’t look great but we’ll find out more tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/EXm9epQyIb
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 24, 2023
Inadequate artificial turf conditions have been blamed for a spate of injuries this season, and following Phillips’, Dolphins players weren’t the only ones to make the connection as NFL fans also got in on the debate.
Since 2020, there have been six ACL tears, three Achilles tears, an MCL tear and a patellar tendon tear at MetLife Stadium.
How has the NFL not done anything about that turf yet?
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) November 24, 2023
We’ll have to wait until the offseason to see if the NFL does anything to address the quality or usage of artificial turf, but it’s clear this is a narrative that is only going to continue.
