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Well, here’s an unsurprising development. The Philadelphia Eagles are hosting free agent wide receiver Jordan Matthews for a physical, according to a report from PhillyVoice writer and my BGN Radio co-host Jimmy Kempski.
Matthews’ visit comes one day after it was revealed that DeSean Jackson requires core muscle surgery that will keep him out for at least six weeks and potentially the rest of the 2019 NFL season. Jackson successfully underwent said surgery on Tuesday.
Jackson’s injury leaves the Eagles with the following four wide receivers on the 53-man roster: Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, Mack Hollins, and JJ Arcega-Whiteside. They’ve all been incredibly unproductive over the past six weeks. TRIGGER WARNING:
Yards per game over the past six weeks
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) November 4, 2019
Alshon Jeffery: 50.7
Nelson Agholor: 19
Mack Hollins: 2.2
JJ Arcega-Whiteside: 0
If DeSean Jackson doesn’t stay healthy, this is what Carson Wentz is working with for the rest of 2019. #Eagles
♂️https://t.co/Xhu4y9lBNq
Matthews is hardly a thrilling addition but he could certainly be an upgrade on what the Eagles are currently getting from their pass catchers. He obviously has familiarity with Philly’s scheme in addition to a good relationship with Carson Wentz.
The Eagles previously turned to JMatt last season when wide receiver injuries plagued the team. JMatt did a nice job contributing as a role player with 20 receptions for 300 yards (team-high 15.0 average) and two touchdowns over 14 regular season games. He also had a 37-yard touchdown reception against the New Orleans Saints (pictured above this article) in the playoffs.
Matthews left Philly in March to sign a one-year, $2 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He failed to make the team’s Week 1 roster before injury issues prompted the 49ers to bring JMatt back for a brief stint prior to cutting him again. He’s been on the market ever since.
The Eagles will need to clear a roster spot if/when they sign Matthews. The team could opt to put Jackson on injured reserve, although that would guarantee he’s out for at least eight weeks. Note that there are only eight weeks left in the regular season.
Stay tuned to BGN.