Eagles’ James Bradberry facing multi-week absence

James Bradberry made the Eagles’ 53-man roster after drawing trade interest. However, the veteran defensive back will not be available at the start of the season. 

Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report that Bradberry suffered a lower leg injury during practice on Wednesday. The ailment involves a tendon, so while surgery will not be needed, a notable absence is expected. According to the report, Bradberry is facing a six-to-eight-week recovery timetable.

The 31-year-old was on the roster bubble throughout the offseason, where he transitioned from corner to safety. It would not have come as a surprise if Bradberry had been dealt and the Titans inquired about a potential swap. In the end, though, the former Pro Bowler secured a roster spot during cutdowns on Tuesday, putting him in line for a role of some kind at safety. Philadelphia’s depth on the backend will now be tested.

Bradberry suggested the position change after spending his first eight seasons as a corner. He remained a full-time starter during his first two Eagles campaigns, but one of the team’s top priorities in the offseason was upgrading in the secondary. Philadelphia selected Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds of the draft, and they are both in line for notable roles as rookies. Darius Slay remains in place as a veteran first-team option at cornerback.

The Eagles’ safety depth chart consists of C.J. Gardner-Johnson (with whom the team reunited in free agency), Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown and Avonte Maddox. The latter has seen time at slot corner, but he joined Bradberry in moving to safety this year. Philadelphia will thus have many options to choose from while Bradberry is sidelined, but a decision must now be made regarding injured reserve in his case.

Moving players to IR guarantees at least a four-game absence, and teams have eight total activations available for the regular season. In the Eagles’ case, two will be used when veteran tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and rookie receiver Ainias Smith are brought back into the fold. One of Philadelphia’s moves during the cutdown deadline was the decision to place Brown on the reserve/PUP list, meaning he will miss the opening four games at a minimum. With Bradberry now on the mend, it will be interesting to see if the team pursues a short-term depth addition at safety.