Source: Torn ACL feared for Dolphins LB Chubb

Marcel Louis-Jacques, ESPNDec 31, 2023, 02:52 PM ET
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BALTIMORE — Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb is feared to have torn his right ACL after being carted off the field during the team’s 56-19 loss Sunday to the Baltimore Ravens.

A source told ESPN that there is concern within the Dolphins’ organization that Chubb suffered a tear, adding that “it doesn’t look good.”

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said after the game that it’s too early for a diagnosis, but he was visibly emotional when discussing Chubb’s injury.

“One of my least favorite things in the sport and from my role is seeing a competitor go down and then have to get a cart,” he said. “So it’s always pretty emotional, just in general, but we don’t have really the information to know exactly what it is yet.”

Chubb went down with a noncontact injury late in the fourth quarter Sunday and was carted back to the locker room soon after. He was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.

The fact that Chubb and the Dolphins’ defensive starters were on the field in a blowout loss drew instant criticism from fans on social media. McDaniel, in his second year at the helm, expressed regret in hindsight when asked about the decision to keep his starters in with the game all but decided.

“I mean, in hindsight, I would absolutely not have wanted him out there if I would’ve known that he was going to get hurt. … It doesn’t look very smart at all,” he said. “The players wanted to go back in and play and finish the right way heading into next week. And I have the ability to tell them no on everything in this situation. There’s plenty of decisions that I’ll cross examine. … The intention is always purposeful. And I made the call that the guys that went out there, they wanted to be out there.

“I would like a time machine, for sure.”

Chubb, a Pro Bowler, leads the Dolphins with 11 sacks this season and took on a larger role after linebacker Jaelan Phillips tore an Achilles in Week 12. Behind him are Andrew Van Ginkel, Melvin Ingram and Emmanuel Ogbah, who was inactive for Sunday’s game.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa expressed sympathy for Chubb after the game.

“We’re thinking of you, brother, and praying for you as well,” Tagovailoa said. “It’s tough seeing one of our guys go down like that. It’s unfortunate, but we still have everything in front of us.”

Tagovailoa also left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury but said he is “good” despite not returning.

“Shoulder’s good,” he said. “Just a little sore.”

He appeared to favor his left shoulder late in the fourth quarter Sunday and received medical attention on the sideline. With the game out of reach, he was replaced by backup quarterback Mike White. Tagovailoa was limited in practice throughout the week with injuries to his left thumb and quad, although he didn’t have any injury designation entering Sunday’s game.

The NFL’s leader in passing yards finished the day with 237 yards, two touchdowns and his first two interceptions since Week 12.

Cornerback Xavien Howard also left Sunday’s game with a foot injury and did not return; the Ravens immediately took advantage of his absence, with quarterback Lamar Jackson throwing for 321 yards and five touchdowns, finishing with a perfect 158.3 passer rating.

Howard suffered the injury in the first quarter, during Baltimore’s first offensive drive. He was taken to the locker room on a cart and ruled out after further examination.

The 2022 Pro Bowler has played in 13 of the team’s 17 games this season, recording 45 tackles, 12 passes defended and an interception. McDaniel said the team is not sure yet what Howard’s diagnosis is.

The Dolphins’ injuries come ahead of their season finale against the Buffalo Bills, in which the winner will capture the AFC East title. Miami has not won the division since 2008.