Report: “There is big hope” DeSean Jackson can play in this week’s Eagles vs. Cowboys game

DeSean Jackson hasn’t played since Week 2 due to an abdomen injury but he might finally be making his return to the field in Week 7. NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark is making it sound like Jackson could be available for the Eagles’ big game against the Dallas Cowboys this weekend.

This development jibes with last week’s ESPN report that claimed Jackson’s window to return is between Week 7 through Week 9.

Speaking on the SportsRadio 94WIP Morning Show on Monday, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said he is “hopeful” that Jackson will be back this week.

The Eagles desperately need Jackson’s deep speed back on the field. We all saw how effective the Carson Wentz to Jackson connection was in Week 1 when the wide receiver logged eight receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles’ offense has been painfully slow and plodding without him.

It remains to be seen how effective Jackson will be as he plays through injury. One also must wonder how long he’ll be able to last before potentially getting hurt again.

Regardless, the Eagles are a better team when Jackson is on the field than when he’s not available. His presence could be critical to picking up a crucial win over the Cowboys this week.

UPDATE: Pederson had the following to say about Jackson during his Monday morning press conference.

“DeSean is working. He’s still day-to-day. We’ll see again by the end of the week where he’s at. [...] DeSean probably won’t practice Wednesday but as far as his conditioning goes we’re going to continue to keep running him and use that as part of his rehab.”

Not the best sign that Jackson isn’t going to practice Wednesday but the Eagles could be trying to manage him just so he has a chance to play Sunday.