Microfracture surgery has so far been seen as a success by doctors and Phillips himself. Phillips believed he would be ready for week one of the 2010 season for the Giants opener against the Carolina Panthers. If Phillips was not ready to go at the beginning of the season, he would be replaced by former Seattle Seahawk Deon Grant. Once ready to play, Phillips would team up with fellow Miami Hurricane Antrel Rolle in the Giants backfield for the first time. On September 12, Phillips made his long-awaited return to the Giants as a starter alongside Rolle in the Giants' season opener against the Carolina Panthers. He managed to intercept a pass from Panthers quarterback Matt Moore in the Giants' 31-18 victory.