Rodney McLeod’s injury is considered to be short-term
Eagles safety Rodney McLeod suffered a hamstring injury early on against the Chiefs.
The Philadelphia Eagles defense seemed to have gotten hit with the injury bug in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. One of the most concerning injuries of the day came in the first quarter. Eagles safety Rodney McLeod limped off the field with what was later diagnosed with a grade-one hamstring strain.
His injury is considered to be short-term, but his status for week three remains in question. The loss of McLeod in the secondary is significant. Luckily, the Eagles were able to hold their own, for the most part, with what was left of the secondary on Sunday. If McLeod doesn’t suit up for week three, veteran safety Corey Graham will get the start.
Struggles in the backend…
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The Eagles have had their fair share of criticism over the offseason. While they have made some moves to improve the secondary, the injuries have overshadowed any progression. The combination of McLeod and Malcolm Jenkins at safety was the only hope that the Eagles had for their defensive backs.
The loss of cornerback Ronald Darby in week one was big. Now, the loss of McLeod creates an even bigger problem in the secondary as if the Eagles needed it. Although Corey Graham held his own, his biggest mistake became the game-changing play that came late in the third quarter.
The play that may have decided things:
Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was shut down for the most part on Sunday. He was held to only 81 yards on 13 carries. Unfortunatley, his 53-yard touchdown run seemed to pick up enough momentum for the Chiefs fourth quarter rally.
On that play, Hunt had no problem bursting past the Eagles front setting him up in the open field with Corey Graham. Hunt was able to make Graham whiff on the tackle and take the ball to the end zone for six. That play could have been the difference maker if McLeod was on the field instead of Graham.
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Although McLeod’s injury is not considered to be long-term, it is still very concerning. Hamstring injuries seem to heel quickly but tend to linger throughout the season. There is still no timetable set for McLeod’s return but the chances of him playing in week three’s game is very slim.