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  • Yikes-Tough way to start the football fiscal year

    Examining roles of 14 Eagles players coming off notable injuries prior to OTAs | Carson Wentz, Ronald Darby, more
    Today 6:36 AM

    By Mike Kaye | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

    The Eagles enter organized team activities (OTAs) with several players recovering from major injuries.

    While the team has impressive depth, some notable players will need to be eased into workouts or miss all 10 sessions of OTAs.


    Quarterback Carson Wentz is recovering from a stress fracture in his back. While he has taken part in the team’s offseason program, his status for OTAs is uncertain.

    Wentz is obviously the most notable player recovering from a major injury but starters like free safety Rodney McLeod, defensive end Derek Barnett and right guard Brandon Brooks could miss out on the upcoming voluntary workouts as well.


    Players like Corey Clement, Paul Worrilow and Mack Hollins are also coming off season-ending injuries. After missing out on all of last season, Worrilow and Hollins will look to prove themselves in the offseason. Clement, who is coming off a knee injury, will look to show he’s still as dynamic as he was during the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII run.

    Who could sneak onto Eagles’ 53-man roster? 6 dark horse candidates vying for jobs

    The Philadelphia Eagles have several under-the-radar players who could earn jobs in training camp and the preseason.

    Here are the 14 Eagles players coming off notable injuries this offseason:

    Carson Wentz

    Position: Starting Quarterback

    Quick Thoughts: Wentz’s OTA status has been the talk of the town. While his immediate return would be inspiring, the Eagles don’t need to rush him back onto the field. His recovery should take priority over public image. The Eagles are placing a lot of trust in Nate Sudfeld to back up Wentz, so the added reps with the starters could be helpful for the young quarterback’s offseason development. The Eagles don’t seem to be worried about Wentz and easing him back onto the field is a shrewd move ahead of training camp.


    Timmy Jernigan

    Position: Rotational Defensive Tackle

    Quick Thoughts: After undergoing offseason back surgery last year, Jernigan only appeared in five games (including the playoffs) last season. He then had his lucrative contract option declined and couldn’t make up the money in free agency. He recently returned on a cheap “prove it” deal and will now serve as a backup lineman in the Eagles’ platoon system. He needs to prove he can stay healthy and productive this offseason.



    Josh Adams

    Position: Depth Running Back

    Quick Thoughts: Adams underwent labrum surgery earlier this offseason. He is expected to miss the majority -- if not all -- of the offseason program, including OTAs. Once he is cleared to return, Adams will need to fight for a roster spot against Wendell Smallwood, Boston Scott, Wendell Smallwood and Donnel Pumphrey.

    Corey Clement


    Position: Third-Down Back, Kick Returner

    Quick Thoughts: The Eagles think very highly of Clement. The third-year player is coming off a season-ending knee injury but should be able to participate in practices at some point this offseason. Clement will play a pivotal role this season behind the top tandem of Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders.

    Mack Hollins

    Position: Depth Wide Receiver

    Quick Thoughts: Hollins missed all of last season with a groin injury. As he enters an important offseason, Hollins will need to out-duel several young receivers to keep his roster spot. He is currently the favorite for the fifth wide receiver job.

    Joshua Perkins

    Position: Depth Tight End

    Quick Thoughts: Perkins flashed some potential during the first half of last season. However, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in November. Perkins will compete with Will Tye and Richard Rodgers for the team’s third-string tight end spot in training camp.

    Brandon Brooks

    Position: Starting Right Guard

    Quick Thoughts: Brooks suffered a torn Achilles during the team’s divisional-round loss to the New Orleans Saints. Due to the timing of the injury, Brooks may start training camp on the physically unable to perform list. He isn’t expected to participate in OTAs. Stefen Wisniewski should fill in for Brooks during the workouts.


    Josh Sweat

    Position: Depth Defensive End

    Quick Thoughts: Sweat was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury in December. The former fourth-round pick had a forgettable rookie season but still has plenty of potential due to his athleticism. He will look to bounce back this offseason.

    Derek Barnett

    Position: Starting Defensive End

    Quick Thoughts: Barnett underwent season-ending labrum surgery last year. The recovery timeframe for that injury can range based on the individual. While there’s a chance Barnett could compete in OTAs, he is more likely to wait for training camp to test his shoulder. The Eagles are counting on Barnett returning to form this offseason.

    Paul Worrilow

    Position: Depth Linebacker

    Quick Thoughts: Worrilow missed all of last season after tearing his ACL in OTAs last year. Now fully recovered from the injury, Worrilow should be able to take part in OTA drills. He will need to show that he retained his athleticism following the injury. He is competing with several players for a depth spot.


    Ronald Darby

    Position: Starting Cornerback

    Quick Thoughts: Coming off ACL surgery, Darby may take some time to return to the field. In his place, the Eagles will probably have Avonte Maddox and Rasul Douglas compete for reps on the outside. Darby was re-signed to a one-year deal in free agency, so he will need to prove himself this season. While he won’t want to rush back into action, Darby is facing an important training camp from a rehabilitation standpoint.

    Sidney Jones

    Position: Depth Cornerback

    Quick Thoughts: The former second-round pick should be ready to go for OTAs. He dealt with a lingering hamstring injury that cost him nine games (including the playoffs) last season. He will now compete for a job at the top of the depth chart in training camp. He played well at nickel corner to start last season, so the Eagles may want to see him cover the slot in training camp. He will have competition, as Maddox and Cre’Von LeBlanc were standouts during the second half of the season.


    Rodney McLeod

    Position: Starting Free Safety

    Quick Thoughts: McLeod is coming off major knee surgery. He may need to wait until training camp to return to the field. That approach would be wise, as the Eagles are counting on McLeod’s recovery this season. The starting free safety was an unsung hero of the team’s Super Bowl LII run and his loss was felt last season. The Eagles should take their time with McLeod’s recovery.

    Jalen Mills

    Position: Starting Cornerback

    Quick Thoughts: Mills’ status coming off a season-ending foot injury is unknown. While he held out hope for a return after suffering the ailment in Week 8, he was placed on injured reserve a few weeks later. While he could be ready to participate in OTAs, the Eagles may want to ease him back into the mix. Mills has been one of the team’s starting outside cornerbacks for the last two seasons. However, he might have some competition this year. Douglas played very well in his place last season.
    "Hey Giants, who's your Daddy?"

  • #2
    Out of all of them Brooks & Darby are the ones that I am most concerned about starting the year. Brooks seems to be ahead of schedule Darby nobody really knows.

    Most of the rest should be ready for training camp and have been in the system for a few years so missing OTA's on the field is not as important. I am sure though they all will be there in the study sessions.
    Were from Philly F in Philly no one likes us we DON'T CARE!

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by taz View Post
      Out of all of them Brooks & Darby are the ones that I am most concerned about starting the year. Brooks seems to be ahead of schedule Darby nobody really knows.

      Most of the rest should be ready for training camp and have been in the system for a few years so missing OTA's on the field is not as important. I am sure though they all will be there in the study sessions.
      I think that both of them could start on the PUP list to tell you the truth. Brooks got hurt in the last game of the playoffs and Darby got hurt in the playoffs. That's not a lot of time to recover. Making cuts on turf puts so much stress on the joints I don't see how they can be back. I wouldn't be surprised if Darby just got released as he's only on a one year deal. $700 bonus and $1.1 roster bonus. The Birds have questions about him too.
      "Hey Giants, who's your Daddy?"

      Comment


      • #4
        Ian Rapoport
        @RapSheet
        · 16m
        #Eagles QB Carson Wentz is progressing well from his back injury from 2018 and sources say he has no limitations for on-field drills during OTAs, beginning tomorrow. The team will be smart with him, of course, but he’s expected to be involved in the majority of all work.


        Excellent News!!
        Were from Philly F in Philly no one likes us we DON'T CARE!

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by taz View Post
          Ian Rapoport
          @RapSheet
          · 16m
          #Eagles QB Carson Wentz is progressing well from his back injury from 2018 and sources say he has no limitations for on-field drills during OTAs, beginning tomorrow. The team will be smart with him, of course, but he’s expected to be involved in the majority of all work.


          Excellent News!!
          I'll say!
          "Hey Giants, who's your Daddy?"

          Comment

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