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The Philadelphia Eagles officially activated 21-day practice windows for the following four injured reserve members: Jalen Reagor, Jason Peters, T.J. Edwards, and Rudy Ford.
This news does NOT mean that they have been fully activated to the 53-man roster just yet. Opening this window merely allows the team to see how the players handle practice before officially using roster spots on them.
Still, this is a positive development that indicates the Eagles are getting healthier. It’s not perfectly clear if any or all of these players will be able to play in this week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys but there could be a shot. Some might be more likely to return after the Eagles’ Week 9 bye.
Let’s take a closer look at each individual.
JALEN REAGOR
There’s talk that Reagor might actually be able to play against the Cowboys.
I’m told there is a chance that Jalen Reagor could return this Sunday night
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 26, 2020
I’m told the cast is off his thumb. He is catching balls. He is ahead of schedule in his rehab. Will see
Eagles have activated the 21 day practice window for Jalen Reagor and Jason Peters pic.twitter.com/GxNx8WZT2V
It’d be great to see the Eagles’ 2020 first-round pick back on the field, especially with DeSean Jackson set to be out for some time. The Eagles could ideally go with Reagor at Z, Travis Fulgham at X, and Greg Ward in the slot as their starting wide receivers. John Hightower could also see some rotational playing time.
Then again, Alshon Jeffery might be able to return this week. So it’ll be interesting to see how he fits in to the equation. The Eagles will also have to free up a roster spot to bring Reagor back. What do they do with JJ Arcega-Whiteside? Is Quez Watkins’ roster spot totally safe after he was a healthy scratch last week?
JASON PETERS
It’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles handle the Peters return. Jordan Mailata has shown enough promise to keep the starting job at left tackle. But you can’t rule out JP moving back to that spot.
The feeling here is that the Eagles should be looking to move JP to guard. The Eagles could move Nate Herbig back to left guard and put Peters in at right guard to get Sua Opeta out of the starting lineup.
T.J. EDWARDS
Edwards returning should at least help the Eagles’ special teams unit. It remain to be seen how the Eagles will handle the linebacker rotation, though, since Alex Singleton has done some nice things in Edwards’ absence.
Much to everyone’s chagrin, I can’t imagine the Eagles are suddenly going to take Nathan Gerry off the field. A heavier rotation of Gerry, Edwards, Singleton, and Duke Riley could be a more realistic hope.
RUDY FORD
Ford has played well on special teams this year and specifically as a gunner on the punt coverage team. Getting him back will be a boost for the third phase. His presence also provides some more safety depth.
The Eagles are still very banged up in other areas but it’s nice to see them get some positive injury news for once. It will be interesting to see how the team eventually opens up roster spots for all of these guys.