2 min read • August 12, 2021
Posted in
Philadelphia Eagles
Offense
RB Miles Sanders -
The standout running back missed four games total throughout the 2020 season. Sanders dealt with a hamstring injury before the season started that cost him the first game of the season, and then suffered a mild knee sprain Week 6, missing the next two games and then the final game with another knee issue. We don't like using the term injury prone but with three different issues last season in the lead role, the Eagles might be thinking about a split between Sanders and Boston Scott to keep both on the field. Newcomer Kerryon Johnson has proven a capable and versatile back as well, and limiting Sanders’ snaps might be the best option. Sanders, in 12 games, rushed for 867 yards at a beaming 5.3 per carry with six scores, and is a highly effective back although the Eagles may want to start preserving him better as the season progresses.
WR DeVonta Smith -
The rookie first round pick suffered a sprained MCL that will likely keep him out for the majority of the preseason. Although this is not ideal for a rookie in his new surroundings, it comes at a good time as he will likely be ready for Week 1 versus the Atlanta Falcons.
WR Jalen Reagor -
Reagor came into the 2020 season with a shoulder labral tear from a dislocation in the offseason and needed a strap / harness to hold his shoulder in place. Reagor played through, but the TCU product also suffered an ulnar collateral ligament tear in his thumb Week 2 which caused him to need surgery and missed five games before returning. He was also knocked out of the final game with a head injury. Reagor was a solid contributor last year with 21 catches, 396 yards and a TD in an injury-ridden WR group that lost presumed starters Alshon Jeffrey and Desean Jackson, and should look to build on that role as Jalen Hurts takes over the offense. There has been no formal announcement of an offseason shoulder surgery but my assumption is he had it to avoid wearing the brace and this could make him more effective this season, as he’ll have a better range of motion. However, the speedy wideout did fail a conditioning test at the start of the preseason but expect him to be ready for a more prominent role in 2021.
TE Dallas Goedert -
The up-and-coming tight end suffered an ankle fracture in the third game of the season and was placed on IR, missing four weeks. He quickly returned and finished the season strong with 46 receptions for 524 Yards and three scores. Goedert made a quick recovery from his ankle issue and given the Zach Ertz situation/potential trade, could be looking at a big statistical season. A huge target at 6’5” 256, he could be a real asset to his young QB as a big safety valve in the middle of the field.
TE Zach Ertz -
The Eagles tight end suffered a chip fracture and high sprain in his ankle Week 6 and was placed on IR, missing a total of five weeks. Ertz returned but played poorly and is seemingly now the number two tight end as Dallas Goedert has risen above him in the depth chart. In 2019, Ertz suffered broken ribs and a lacerated kidney but returned to the same game. Ertz missed the next game because he was medically prohibited from playing but made an extremely quick return for the playoffs. No one should ever question his toughness and ability to play through injury but how long will he be on the Eagles and where will he play?
Offensive Line
OL Isaac Seumalo -
The hulking offensive lineman suffered a knee injury and missed seven weeks. Seumalo was activated from IR Week 11 and played the rest of the year at left guard. On an oft injured Eagles OL in 2020, he struggled and a training camp hamstring issue has slowed him so far in 2021. Their other option on the interior is injured as well though, as rookie C Landon Dickerson out of Alabama is still contending with ligament damage in his knee.
OL Brandon Brooks -
The stud right guard missed the entire 2020 season due to a torn Achilles. Brooks was rehabbing a dislocated shoulder last offseason when the tear occurred and this was the second time he tore his Achilles. This makes a third significant injury in two years, and is now nursing a hamstring injury in training camp in the leadup to the 2021 season. The question is if he can get through a full season at the age of 32 given the multitude of recent issues.
OL Andre Dillard -
The 2019 first round pick suffered a torn biceps tendon before the season started and missed the entire season. He was the second Eagles O-Lineman to go down before the 2020 season began, in an especially tough year for this unit. His injury contributed to the Eagles' demise as it started the O-Line shuffle. The biceps should be completely recovered and look for a strong year from their left tackle.
OL Lane Johnson -
The Pro Bowl RT had a significant issue with his ankle that bothered him throughout the season along with a knee and neck issue. Johnson missed a total of 9 games and ended up on IR to finish the season. He underwent deltoid ligament repair surgery after the season and is inching closer to being 100%. The veteran probably could have and should have shut it down earlier last season but tried to play through, given the state of their line. This should be a bounce back year and his presence will help the Eagles newcomers on the O line.
Defense
CB Avonte Maddox -
The solid cornerback dealt with ankle and knee issues during the 2020 season and missed 6 total games. The knee injury cost him the final three games as he was placed on IR to finish the year. Maddox seems healthy and well positioned to retain his nickel job, and should be a key part of this secondary as it tries to build cohesion.
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