Eagles place Joe Walker on injured reserve, which potentially opens up roster spot for Sidney Jones

The Philadelphia Eagles placed second-year linebacker Joe Walker on the season-ending injured reserve list, according to an official announcement from the team.

Walker began the season as a backup linebacker and special teams contributor. When Jordan Hicks suffered a season-ending injury, Walker was counted on as the new middle linebacker in Philadelphia’s base defense. Walker then suffered a neck injury in the Eagles’ Week 12 game against the Bears and hasn’t played much since.

With Walker out for the season, veteran defender Dannell Ellerbe is expected to be the team’s starting middle linebacker. Ellerbe played that role in the Eagles’ Week 16 game against the Raiders.

The Eagles placing Walker on injured reserve opens up a roster spot prior to Philadelphia’s Week 17 game against the Dallas Cowboys. The speculation is that rookie cornerback Sidney Jones could be activated to the 53-man roster. Doug Pederson did not rule out that possibility this week.

It remains to be seen how much Jones will play against Dallas, if at all. At the very least, though, the Eagles removing Jones from the non-football injury list would allow him to continue to practice with the team.

Stay tuned to Bleeding Green Nation for more updates.