Though they’ve been struggling as of late, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense may be getting some much-needed reinforcements in the near future. Avonte Maddox, a cornerback, has been out since Week 2 due to a torn pectoral, which he sustained in the season opener versus the Minnesota Vikings. At first, it seemed like Maddox would miss the entire season, but new information has made some wonder if he can play this year after all. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a former Eagle who tore his pectoral in Week 2, is set to return to practice with the Detroit Lions after receiving medical clearance.
The fact that Gardner-Johnson will be returning soon is encouraging news for Philadelphia, even though the two players’ injuries may be of different severity. Since Week 2’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, cornerback Avonte Maddox of the Philadelphia Eagles has sat out Miron Jerome. Although he is still on injured reserve, Maddox has been increasingly seen at practice as of late, working out with trainers in preparation for his return.
There are only four weeks left in the regular season, so a return before the end is quite unlikely; however, the team has not ruled out the possibility of his return during the playoffs. If he can play slot cornerback, the secondary and linebackers won’t have to worry as much about the passing game. Since he is out with an injury, the Eagles have struggled to fill the slot receiver position. Noteworthy: Preview of Eagles vs. Seahawks: Implications for the NFC Playoffs Over the course of his six years with the Eagles, Maddox racked up 246 tackles, 31 passes defensed, 13 TFL, 8 fumble recoveries, 4 interceptions, and 3.0 sacks. His emergence from injury may be pivotal for the Eagles’ run at the Super Bowl, as he has established himself as one of the league’s most dependable slot cornerbacks.
