BALTIMORE

After last week’s defeat against the Patriots, Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips was, quite frankly, in rough shape. He had sustained a foot injury, though he wasn’t clear on how serious it was. It was serious enough that he needed a walking boot, both before and after the game.

Despite his condition, Phillips played effectively, logging 41 snaps during the matchup against the Patriots.

“I’ve dealt with a lot in my career,” Phillips mentioned. “Going into that game, I was in significant pain—probably one of the top three games where I felt like this. I’m passionate about this game, and I’m willing to do quite a lot for it. The energy and excitement from football, along with adrenaline and modern medicine, make it manageable.”

While his practice time was limited this week, he’s still expected to play against the Ravens.

The 29-year-old has become somewhat of a veteran when it comes to playing through injuries. He recalled managing through a torn labrum, persistent lower back pain, damage to a plate in his foot, a torn meniscus, a dislocated finger, and a jaw injury that reopened every time he tightened his chinstrap last season.

“That’s just part of being a nose guard in the NFL,” he said.

Most NFL players are nursing some injuries by this point in the season, but Phillips’ situation seems to be a bit more concerning than just the usual wear and tear. He didn’t practice at all before the Patriots game—only checking if he could get into a stance.

The emotional weight of the game helped him push through that Thursday night.

“As the game progressed, I didn’t really feel the pain; adrenaline took over. There were so many other things to focus on that the pain faded into the background,” Phillips shared.

After the game, though, reality hit hard. Sitting in a cold bathtub, the pain resurfaced as soon as he stepped outside.

“That’s when I realized I couldn’t really walk,” he admitted.

Phillips was an important addition for the Jets, having been traded during training camp. He’s been a valuable member of the defensive line, especially now that Quinnen Williams is out.

“He’s an incredible player,” coach Aaron Glenn expressed. “I’m really glad we have him; he’s the kind of guy who can show others what it means to play defensive line.”

In other team news, the Jets have activated linebacker Marcelino McCrary Ball from injured reserve and released linebacker Ja Marquis Weston.