Report: Ronald Darby will begin Eagles training camp on PUP list but could be ready for Week 1

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby is expected to begin training camp on the active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport. RapSheet does note that “being active Week 1 is still a legit possibility” for Darby, however.

This report doesn’t come as a shocking development. Darby, who tore his ACL back in November 2018, was mostly limited to warming up with his teammates and some occasional, light position drill work during OTAs/minicamp.

The point of putting Darby on the active/PUP list is keeping him eligible for the season reserve/PUP list. A player can’t go on regular season PUP (missing the first six weeks while not counting against the 53-man roster) without being on preseason PUP. Darby has been optimistic he can play Week 1 (or close to it) so it’s very possible he’s removed from active/PUP prior to September. For now, putting Darby on active/PUP just gives the Eagles more options in case there’s an unexpected setback.

Darby likely won’t be the only Eagles player to start camp on the active/PUP list. Brandon Brooks, recovering from his Achilles injury, could also be on there along with others. These players will still count against the Eagles’ 90-man roster limit.

While Darby is missing practice time, the Eagles will be rolling out Rasul Douglas, Avonte Maddox, and Sidney Jones as their first team cornerbacks. (That is, assuming Jalen Mills is also still working his way back from injury as well.)

Darby should resume his role as a starting cornerback for the Eagles if/when he’s healthy enough to play.

DISCLAIMER: Last year at this time, Rapoport reported Carson Wentz could begin Eagles training camp on active/PUP and that didn’t happen. So, just keep that in mind.