As they get ready to face one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, the Eagles' depleted secondary might get a boost just in time.
Head coach Doug Pederson said Sidney Jones is day to day as they enter the week, but he's optimistic Jones will be able to play Sunday in New Orleans. Jones has missed the last three games after leaving the Giants game on Oct. 8 with a hamstring injury.
Getting Jones back would be big, especially after the Eagles lost Ronald Darby to a torn ACL in the last game.
Before his injury, Jones had been the Eagles' slot corner, but since then Jalen Mills suffered a foot injury that will likely keep him out again this week and Darby tore his ACL. Rasul Douglas will likely be one of the starting outside corners this weekend and Jones might be the other.
"I think we'll see him in both spots," Pederson said. "Avonte (Maddox) has done a nice job in the nickel. He'll probably continue to work in there. We'll just ease Sidney back in today and see what he can do."
Tim Jernigan
He's still on the Non-football Injury list, but Doug Pederson said Jernigan will "do a little more" this week in practice and the Eagles are optimistic about his chances to play this week.
Philadelphia Eagles
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia Eagles and their NFL rivals from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
That would be another huge boost at a position where the Eagles could certainly use it.
Before Jernigan would be able to play, he'd need to be put on the 53-man roster. The Eagles have a three-week window to either activate Jernigan or shut him down for the season. That window began last Monday.
Richard Rodgers
If you were curious why the Eagles used one of their two designations to return from IR on tight end Richard Rodgers, we got some clarity on Wednesday. Pederson said third tight end Josh Perkins has a significant knee injury and will miss time.
Rodgers was cleared for practice yesterday and will be on the field later today. Pederson said Rodgers is day to day and they're optimistic he'll be able to play Sunday too. If not, the Eagles also added veteran Will Tye to the practice squad.
With Rodgers designated to return from IR, the Eagles have just one remaining designation for either Mack Hollins or Mike Wallace.
Darren Sproles
After suffering a setback last week, it doesn't look like Sproles is going to be able to play for a while because of that hamstring injury. After saying he was optimistic about several players' chances of playing this week, here were Pederson's expectations for Sproles this week:
"Continue to rehab and train and get healthy."
Sproles hasn't played since the opener. He's been a waste of a roster spot for months.
