One of the Eagles’ starting cornerbacks, Avonte Maddox, was activated off of Injured Reserve. His 21-day practice window was opened Wednesday morning, which means he is available to play as soon as this Sunday. This isn’t a guarantee we’ll see him suited up but it is a step in the right direction as he can get back on the practice field. Even if he plays I can’t see him getting his normal amount of snaps seeing that this injury has been nagging at him all year.
The last thing the Eagles want to do is see him get reinjured with the playoffs quickly approaching. I think they’ll handle him much like Jordan Davis this week. He may not be fully ready to play that first week, but getting him back on the field for a few snaps here and there could be beneficial in getting him back into a rhythm.
Maddox, when healthy, is a weapon in the secondary, and having someone as talented as him as your third corner is a luxury. The Eagles’ secondary has enough talent to cover up Maddox’s absence, but rookie Josiah Scott is a noticeable drop-off in talent.
Eagles’ slot king returns
Maddox has played in only 6 of the team’s 12 games, but they’re undefeated when he plays and have beaten all their opponents by at least 9 points in those games. Avonte Maddox has been as consistent as they come since being drafted by the Eagles. While his versatility has been beneficial at times, it’s been his ability to manage the slot that has truly helped the Eagles. So far on the season, Maddox has allowed a completion percentage of 66.7% against him for 229 yards.
He has allowed a passer rating of 77.5 in six games this seadon which is the lowest that he has allowed since his rookie season. Pairing a healthy Avonte Maddox with James Bradberry and Darius Slay can help fuel Philly’s chances in securing the number one seed. This Eagles team is very good, and they could get even better down the stretch run with additions like Maddox and Goedert waiting in the wings.
Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini
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