5 Philadelphia Eagles that are key to a victory against the Atlanta Falcons

Jordan Hicks, MLB

Speaking of comebacks, let’s shift the attention over to middle linebacker, Jordan Hicks. During the same game last season, Hicks went down with a ruptured Achilles early on. While it was disappointing to see, it was far from shocking. Hicks is a great defensive player, when healthy. Keyword here being healthy. Let’s be real. Nobody can discuss the topic of Jordan Hicks without bringing up his injury concerns. Nobody questions his game, but everybody questions his health.

The Eagles will be without a few significant names on Thursday. One guy that will be missing that nobody is really talking about will be veteran outside linebacker, Nigel Bradham. Without Bradham, the Eagles are down to just one starting linebacker returning from last year in Hicks. Although Bradham will make it back to the field in week two, he will surely be missed for the first game, as the entire linebacking core is entirely in question.

When Hicks went down last year, Bradham and Mychal Kendricks had to do it all on their own. Thursday night, Hicks just might have to do most of everything on his own since those guys will not be around.

That’s not to say that guys like Kamu Grugier-Hill and Nathan Gerry can’t step up. But let’s be honest, nobody is really relying on that scenario, right? Hicks will need to lead the charge and take matters into his own hands just like his teammates did just a season ago.