Orlando Scandrick has had the NFL package in his Los Angeles home for years. He's from LA, but played elsewhere, so the cable package allowed his family and friends to watch him play for the last decade.
This year, he finally got to use it himself.
Scandrick, 32, was released by the Eagles at final cuts and for the first time in his 12-year NFL career, he was healthy and not on a roster for Week 1. And then Week 2. And then Week 3. So he spent the last month with his family (the good part) and was a spectator on Sundays (the bad).
"It was hard sitting on the couch watching guys play a game that I know I'm still capable of playing," Scandrick said.
The Eagles are now counting on Scandrick. In the wake of two more injuries to cornerbacks on Thursday night in Green Bay, the Eagles re-signed the veteran on Friday. And he'll probably have to play a somewhat significant role in this coming Sunday's game against the Jets.
There really aren't any other options.
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"We would expect him to be up to speed if he's called upon," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. "There's not going to be any start-up time for him."
After spending the first nine years of his career with the Cowboys, Scandrick was with the Chiefs in 2018. He spent a little more than a month with the Eagles before he was released.
Scandrick knows he can't play forever, but he also wasn't ready to retire.
"I feel like I wasn't finished and I'm not finished," he said. "I'm excited that I get another opportunity to prove that I'm not finished."
During the last month, the Eagles kept in contact with him. According to Scandrick, the two sides talked in Weeks 2, 3 and 4. And after injuries to Ronald Darby, Sidney Jones and Avonte Maddox - and with Jalen Mills and Cre'Von LeBlanc still sidelined - the Eagles finally brought back the 12-year pro late last week.
Going into Sunday's game, he might be one of just three healthy corners on the roster. So he's going to have to play.
"I think it helps obviously having him in camp as well, obviously," safety Malcolm Jenkins said. "So he's familiar with the defense. A veteran, played a long time in this league. Understands how to win. That definitely is going to help us."
With Maddox reportedly out for a few weeks, the most natural position for Scandrick would be as the Eagles' nickel cornerback. That's the position he's played most in the NFL and he was the backup nickel throughout training camp after the Eagles brought him in on July 27. Scandrick said he has stayed in shape.
While spending time with his family was great, Scandrick admitted watching football on Sundays was "different." He would flip back and forth between the top games of the weekend, but spent extra time watching the Eagles. He is a childhood friend of DeSean Jackson's and grew close to some of his teammates during his first stint in Philly.
"I'm a realist here," Scandrick said. "This is 12 years for me. I know nothing lasts forever…
"I just want to make the most of this opportunity. I want to leave it all out there and I want to do whatever I can to help this team win."
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