As most teams begin their Week 13 practices Wednesday, IR management re-enters the equation. The Eagles are moving forward with one of their hopeful returns, opening Jordan Davis‘ practice window.
Philadelphia designated the rookie defensive tackle for return Wednesday morning. Davis has been out since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 8. This week marks the first window in which the Eagles could use this return designation, generating optimism the athletic run-stuffer could be back when first eligible.
The Eagles have changed their D-tackle equation since Davis last played, venturing into free agency at an unusual point for such transactions. Davis will join Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph at Philly’s practice today. The veteran duo joined the team after the Eagles had struggled against the run without Davis. It will be interesting to see how the Eagles deploy their defensive tackles going forward, given the presences of Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave.
Although Davis’ 154 defensive snaps do not meet Pro Football Focus’ minimum for full-time status, the advanced metrics site rates the Georgia product as a top-10 run defender among D-tackles this season. The Texans and Commanders’ rushing performances made Davis’ absence glaring. Having the 6-foot-6, 340-pound lineman back could provide a significant boost for the team with the NFL’s best record (10-1).
Philly is in good shape for injury activations, holding six at its disposal. Considering the investment the team made in Davis this year, one of those activations will undoubtedly be used on him. He of a 4.78-second 40-yard dash time at the Combine, Davis wowed teams and convinced an Eagles team big on line investments to invest the No. 13 overall pick in a D-lineman who does not factor in — production-wise, at least — as a pass rusher much. Davis made a massive impact during Georgia’s national championship run last season and figures to both improve the Eagles’ run-defending capabilities and give the team’s pass rushers more favorable matchups upon return.
His size alone would concern people about leg injuries? He had a dominate college career. Hope that translates to a long NFL career.
welcome back big man!
I love he has even more great vets to learn from.