Could placing Joe Walker on IR open the door for Sidney Jones?

After placing reserve linebacker Joel Walker on IR, could the Philadelphia Eagles finally be ready to activate Sidney Jones from the PUP list?

The Philadelphia Eagles regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys may have just gotten a whole lot more interesting.

After suffering a neck injury earlier in December, Joe Walker, the team’s backup middle linebacker who lost his temporary starting spot to recent addition Dannell Ellerbe, has officially been placed on injured reserve, formally ending his 2017 NFL season.

This move leaves the Bird’s roster at 52, one shy of the 53 man limit.

But with the playoffs fast approaching, whoever could fill this spot?

Maybe second round pick, and future lockdown corner Sidney Jones.

Related Story: Should Nick Foles play against the Cowboys?

More from Philadelphia Eagles

• 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
• Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
• 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
• Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
• Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles

After tearing his Achilles tendon at his University of Washington pro day, the top cornerback in the 2017 NFL Draft swiftly fell out of the first round, and thankfully right into the arms of Howie Roseman and company, who selected the former Huskie with their second-round pick, 43rd overall.

Now many assumed that Jones’ first season with the team would essentially serve as a redshirt year, as Jones was immediately placed on the physically unable to perform list, and would be unable to return to action until the end of the season, but once Jones did return to practice a few short weeks ago, he started turning heads.

While he may not be 100-percent back to his former shutdown form, there’s no doubt that Jones’ presence on the active roster helps the team out, especially if they get hit with a string of injuries down the stretch. And in the Eagles Week 17 game against the Cowboys, the team may have found a perfect opportunity to see what Jones can do against live bullets.

Related Story: Could Jamaal Charles fill Darren Sproles shoes in 2018?

With the starters expected to sit for much of the game, Jones, if activated, could see an influx of action at outside cornerback alongside fourth corner Rasul Douglas, who actually played surprisingly well when his number was called throughout the season.

Now let’s not get ahead of ourselves and assume that an immaculate performance against the Cowboys reserves will immediately vault Jones into the starting lineup for the playoffs, but his performance could seal the deal for the Eagles first 14-2 regular season record in team history, and essentially sign Patrick Robinson‘s ticket out of town.

Next: Should the Eagles activate Sidney Jones for the playoffs?

If Sidney Jones plays in the Philadelphia Eagles’ final game of the regular season at the Linc it instantly makes the game must watch tv and a great way to ring in the new year on a high note.