Could Recoveries Haunt the Philadelphia Eagles?

With the Philadelphia Eagles overhaul continuing, a big question arises around the number of post-injury recoveries within this new roster. Over the last month, the offense has taken a completely different shape, heavily featuring the running game. The defense added some pieces, subtracted some others, but on paper looks to improve from last year. But when the games hold real meaning, will the players coming off injury be able to put up points when the Birds need them to, or hold off an offense for a critical stop?

Around this time last year, Eagles fan watched as quarterback Nick Foles became the team’s starting quarterback. Behind what was thought to be a solid offensive line, Foles’ put up tremendous numbers the season prior. But all it took were injured linemen, and the pressure began to mount on the quarterback. Unfortunately for Foles, his season ended with a fractured collarbone, and began a series of events that saw him traded to the St. Louis Rams for quarterback Sam Bradford. The Eagles rode out the season under backup quarterback Mark Sanchez.

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If you look at just the quarterbacks on the Eagles roster, Bradford is coming off an ACL repair, with Sanchez healthy, but holding an injury-riddled past himself. Toss in new running back DeMarco Murray, and you have a trio of players all with significant past injuries. And this is just from the offensive skill positions. On the front line, center Jason Kelce is coming off his own struggles with injuries. Left tackle Jason Peters has also had injuries in his past. While I’m not suggested an injury-riddled past determines the future, it’s has to be a concern area for an offense expected to produce points.

Looking at the defensive side of the ball, linebacker DeMeco Ryans will be coming his own ACL injury. Last season, Ryans became the leader of the defense until he got hurt, something the Eagles sorely needed. Without him, that unit struggled to maintain a solid identity. This season, as part of the running back LeSean McCoy trade to the Buffalo Bills, we picked up linebacker Kiko Alonso. Alonso looks good on paper, but again, another player coming off an ACL tear. Added to the defensive challenges, new cornerback Byron Maxwell comes with an ACL tear history as well.

The Philadelphia Eagles on paper have a number of post-ACL tear players. ACL recoveries can vary depending on the individual, rehab aggressiveness, and mental attitude post-recovery. It bears mention that the sheer number begs the question if these injuries will haunt the Eagles at some point this season. Will the Birds be able to sustain a 16-game season at the fast pace that Kelly demands? Will each player’s on-field play quality diminish post-injury? Can Kelly and his sports science conditioning overcome these deficits? Only time, and the new season, will tell.

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