5 Eagles with the most to gain following the news of James Bradberry's injury

Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in wagers, Fantasy football points, and Madden NFL ratings that we forget football is a game played by real people. Many are thinking about setting their families up for the future. That fortunately isn't an issue for Philadelphia Eagles star James Bradberry. He's signed a few contracts, including his most recent.

The three-year, $38 million extension he is currently playing on was signed before the 2023 NFL season. The Eagles have an 'out' during the 2025 NFL offseason, but first things first. He won't be 'playing' anywhere for a while.

We learned on Thursday that James suffered a lower-leg injury during a Wednesday afternoon practice. He's expected to miss six to eight weeks, meaning a November return might be his earliest.

Philly announced two subsequent moves after placing Bradberry on their injured reserve. Oren Burks was promoted to the active roster. Brett Toth was signed to the practice squad to replace Burks.

Though we wish James a speedy recovery, his injury opens the door for several teammates who could benefit from his absence. No one's inclusion on this list should be too shocking.

Tristin McCollum

If you're like most, seeing Tristin McCollum's name on the 53-man roster gave you a swell of pride. He earned some playing time last season. He showed some promise, but showed growth over the spring and summer.

He's suddenly the third safety on the depth chart behind C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship.

Avonte Maddox

McCollum is one of two Eagles who would see the snaps that probably would have been given to James. The other guy to occupy those snaps will be Avonte Maddox.

Like Bradberry, Maddox remains on the roster to give C.J. and Reed reinforcements at the safety position, but Avonte is also Philly's most experienced slot corner.

Eli Ricks

It felt like, upon the release of the Eagles' 53-man roster, Eli Ricks would only see time if a ton of guys got injured.

While no one expects Eli to play safety, he does provide value where we believed James would provide some added insurance. He's another option to play at outside corner if there are any medical emergencies with a teammate.

Eli is long and rangy, much like James Bradberry. Ricks also has some experience playing inside at the slot.

Andre' Sam

Here's a young man everyone loves, a young man we knew would be on the practice squad if he cleared waivers. Andre' Sam has proven he's worth the Eagles investing some time in.

While no one expects Sam to play, James absence will allow him to gain more reps at practice than he figured to earn in the beginning.

Keep grinding young man. You never know when your number might be called.

Caden Sterns

We figured Caden Sterns was going to be around. Philly added him late, and they did so knowing he couldn't practice. He's another guy we thought would be a shoo-in for the practice squad if he cleared once he cleared waivers.

Who's going to sign a guy who can't pass a physical, right?

Sterns has history with Vic Fangio having played for the new Eagles DC in Denver. He's going to be around seemingly. He'll get some added attention once he's medically cleared to practice.