Nick Sirianni's new timetable for Jihaad Campbell's return raises major red flag

The Philadelphia Eagles' mandatory minicamp got underway on Tuesday, with head coach Nick Sirianni addressing the media and once again, a press conference message that isn't in favor of their first round pick linebacker Jihaad Campbell.

Last week, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mentioned that Campbell's return date was expected to be sometime in mid-August. Sirianni did not put a timetable on Campbell after being asked about it on Tuesday.

"Yeah, you know we'll see. I don't ever want to put a timetable on anybody. Some guys get through things quicker than others and vice versa. So no timetable on that as far as when he'll be ready. I know he's doing everything he can to get himself ready."

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Campbell was a first-team All-SEC selection out of Alabama last year as he led the team in tackles with 117 and added 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, and one interception in 13 games. During the NFL Combine, Campbell did participate in drills but sat out of Alabama's Pro Day.

During the offseason, Campbell had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. The return status of Campbell was one of the reasons he fell from the projected mid-first round grade to pick 31 to the Eagles.

Going into training camp, Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean are the projected starters with Campbell being rotated in. Sirianni would not specify whether Campbell would be playing just inside linebacker or playing some edge as well, but did go into detail about what he is expecting from Campbell to prepare before hitting the field.

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"Making sure that he gets all the mental reps that he possibly can get at this particular time. We're probably the only sport that practices more than they play and then also has more walkthroughs than even you have practice reps so you know he's going to be getting a lot of those opportunities to watch walkthrough, to watch practice and get those mental reps."

A return in August is still possible for Campbell, but there would be optimism to hear when he would return. Eagles fans will have to wait until training camp to see if they have a star on their hands or a bust.