Eagles might miss Alshon Jeffery for first six games
By Chris Wurtz
Losing your No. 1 receiver for an extended amount of time would be a death sentence to some teams. But the Eagles should be just fine.
As you may already know, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery played through pain during last season. A lot of it.
He landed awkwardly on the shoulder during training camp, and said at one point that he couldn’t lift it. With the assistance of extensive physical therapy, Jeffery was able to manage the pain en route a full 19-game season.
After the Super Bowl, Jeffery underwent surgery to repair his torn rotator cuff. The Eagles were hopeful he’d be able to return for the start of the season. But Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that there is a chance Jeffery could start the season on the physically unable to perform list.
As #Eagles gear up for the season, WR Alshon Jeffery has remained on PUP. Though he’s progressing according to plan, sources say the timing of his rotator cuff surgery -- following the Super Bowl win – means there’s a chance he may not be ready for the opener. Could stay on PUP.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 13, 2018
If Jeffery starts the season on the PUP list, he will be required to miss the first six games of the regular season — even if he’s healthy sooner.
The other option that Rapoport noted is to carry the injured Jeffery on the roster anyway. But, each and every one of those 53 roster spots are precious, and the Eagles would have to decide whether or not it’s worth eating up a roster spot with Jeffery.
Considering the Eagles’ tendencies on offense, the wise decision would be to leave him on the PUP list.
Although Jeffery is listed as the No. 1 receiver on the depth chart, he isn’t necessarily targeted like one. Philadelphia’s quarterbacks — whether it be Carson Wentz or Nick Foles — love to spread the ball around. Tight end Zach Ertz actually led the team in receptions and yards last season, and receiver Nelson Agholor had more catches than Jeffery.
In fact, the Eagles didn’t have a receiver go for 100 yards in a game until Week 13 last season. That level of distribution is almost unheard-of in today’s passing league.
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If Jeffery does have to miss time to open the season, the Eagles have no reason to rush him back. Their roster is so deep and balanced that they should have no problem staying afloat without their top target.