Josh Sweat a bright spot for Philadelphia Eagles during rash of injuries

Josh Sweat is a reason for optimism if you’re a Philadelphia Eagles fan.

It hasn’t been a smooth ride for these Philadelphia Eagles as of late. Injuries have been rampant. Jason Peters has held the team to ransom, and for some, the season feels like it’s in a downward spiral before it’s even begun. There are a few silver linings in these dark clouds though, and if you need one, look no further than defensive end Josh Sweat.

Sweat’s had a very successful training camp, but his efforts are often overshadowed by something someone else is doing. On Sunday, he played his behind off in Philly’s final team scrimmage, but that took a backseat to Jalen Reagor’s shoulder injury.

If you’re a ‘Birds’ fan, it’s poured when it has rained, and if we aren’t talking about season-ending injuries to left tackle Andre Dillard or right guard Brandon Brooks, we’re talking about a mysterious lower-body injury to Carson Wentz. Thankfully, ’11’ will likely be ready for the season opener. Yes fans, it’s raining in Philly, and no one likes to get wet. You’re in luck though. Josh Sweat brought us the proverbial umbrella.

Sweat might be the defensive end the Philadelphia Eagles wanted Barnett to be.

Originally a fourth-round pick out of the Florida State Seminoles program in 2018, Sweat didn’t do much in his first season in the NFL. Although he saw action in nine games, he never played more than 29 percent of the Eagles defensive snaps in any matchup.

He finished the year with just one tackle. It wasn’t the end of the world though. No one expected a ton in Year 1, and Sweat made a few strides in his sophomore campaign as he received more playing time.

Sweat ended up playing in all 16 games. He didn’t start in any of them, but his production improved (21 combined tackles including seven for a loss of yardage and four sacks). The ‘Birds’ were pleased with his performance as he began to evolve into an important rotational player behind Derek Barnett and Brandon Graham. That should continue in 2020.

Unique circumstances might assist Sweat in shining for the Philadelphia Eagles.

In football, things can change in the blink of an eye. The Eagles brought back a familiar face in Vinny Curry, but as you might expect, injuries came along with that decision. Curry is currently dealing with lower-body injuries of his own. Derek Barnett hasn’t practiced in days, and Sweat decided to use all of this as his time to shine.

On Sunday, Sweat took advantage of Dillard’s absence and put a clown suit on Matt Pryor, who was filling in at left tackle. It was a nice showing for a guy who has had a spotlight on him. The question now is a simple one. How do the coaches feel? Was this the icing in what has been a very good training camp for Sweat? Will he have an expanded role in the defense? Don’t be surprised if he does.

Game speed is much faster than practice sessions, but even still, in spite of all of the injuries along the defensive line, Sweat is poised to be exactly what the doctor ordered (pun intended) for Philly’s defensive line as he figures to be a factor all season long in what might bea formidable defensive end rotation.