Inside the Iggles
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Injuries: The Story of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2018 season

By Jack Duffy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive back Rodney McLeod #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after being injured while playing against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive back Rodney McLeod #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after being injured while playing against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 11: Jalen Mills #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after breaking up a pass against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 11, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 11: Jalen Mills #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after breaking up a pass against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 11, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Injuries on the Defense

In the past, the Eagles’ secondary has been the weak link in their monstrous defense. Injuries to ALL of their top cornerbacks and safety surely helps the cause, right?

Timmy Jernigan is a great player, but this Eagles defensive line is so rich in depth and talented that this loss did not affect them tremendously.

Eagles safety, Rodney McLeod, tore his MCL and will miss the rest of the season. McLeod and Malcolm Jenkins held up the last line of defense since McLeod joined the team and the loss of the vet is disastrous. Special team captain, the backup safety, Chris Maragos still has not recovered from his torn ACL and PCL from October of 2017. That is not even the start of it.

More from Inside the Iggles

Eagles third-string safety, Corey Graham, missed three games with a hamstring injury. Thankfully Graham is back, and he served as a backup last week against the Dallas Cowboys, but his role shall increase soon. Sidney Jones has missed the previous three games with a hamstring injury but should be available this week in New Orleans.

Ronald Darby tore his ACL last week against the Cowboys, resulting in the Eagles top three corners being injured. He is done for the year, and the Eagles cornerback depth continues to wither.

Jalen Mills missed last weeks game with a foot injury, and he is likely to be out for the near future. Sidney Jones has missed the previous three games due to a hamstring injury (do you see the trend yet?). He was a full participant in practice this week so knowing he will likely play this week is a good sign.

If you thought there was a single Eagle in the secondary without an injury, you’re wrong. Malcolm Jenkins has a minor wrist injury that resulted in the safety practicing in a cast. He should play Sunday but don’t be surprised if he has a club for a hand.

The Eagles secondary already struggled in the past with them all being healthy, so this injury-ridden group has been exposed even further this year. They rank 23rd in passing yards allowed-per-game, and that is only going to get worse with the number of injuries.

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