Philadelphia Eagles: Joe Ostman carted off the field in front of 40,000 fans
While the Philadelphia Eagles had a fantastic turnout at their first and only open practice of the summer, Joe Ostman’s evening ended prematurely via injury.
When the Philadelphia Eagles opened up their open practice on the hallowed grounds of Lincoln Financial Field, it looked like a wonderful opportunity for fans in the 215 to have a first-hand sneak peek of their favorite team’s 2019 squad.
The weather was nice for an early August evening, and the crowd of 40,000 was ready for some football – and initially, it looked like a picturesque way to spend the day.
DeSean Jackson was up to DeSean Jackson things, the Military was thoroughly appreciated, and the crowd went nuts when a healthy Carson Wentz took the field for the first time since December- only this time without Nick Foles looming over his shoulder.
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However, little did we know that disaster would soon strike in the most disappointing way possible.
Joe Ostman, the surprise star of the summer (more on that here), went down clutching his knee while running a punt return drill and was carted off the field to the disappointed applause of the concerned crowd.
And worst of all, Ostman wasn’t the only player to go down at the Linc.
Not too long after, Shelton Gibson, the Eagles’ 2017 fifth-round pick who was in a battled with his draft mate Mack Hollins for a roster spot (more on that here), was also forced to leave the field and limp off to the locker room after suffering an injury during one-on-ones
But unlike Gibson, who at this point was a very, very longshot to earn another season in a midnight green uniform – or any NFL uniform at all – Ostman was a virtual lock to make the 53 man roster and very well could have even leapfrogged 2018 fourth-round pick Josh Sweat, and 2019 fifth-round pick Shareef Miller for a role as the Birds’ fourth rotational defensive end.
Now, despite overachieving to an inspiring level over the first few months of the summer, Ostman could find himself on IR alongside Gibson as the duo prepare for a long road of rehab to do it all again when 2020’s camp opens up next summer.
dark. Next. Losing Kamu Grugier-Hill is a double-doink
While things could take a very, very nice turn for the better (like they did for Kamu Grugier-Hill) and Ostman may escape suffering a season-ending knee injury, if his reaction on the field is of any indication, fans should, unfortunately, prepare for a Philadelphia Eagles season without Joe on the active roster. After doing everything right, it’s a real shame that Joe Ostman’s best chance to establish himself as an NFL player may be lost on a meaningless training camp special teams drill.