When Adoree’ Jackson signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last spring, it was a golden opportunity. The former first-round pick was looking for a starting gig, and the Eagles may have had one after Darius Slay left for the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he’s taken advantage to earn playing time, his performance required some additional competition as Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander were added in trades over the bye week.
Two new cornerbacks should be enough to wonder about Jackson’s path moving forward, including his role in Monday night’s showdown against the Green Bay Packers. That path got even murkier when Alexander was working out with defensive backs coach Christian Parker and starters Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean during Friday’s practice and Jackson watched it all from the sidelines, according to the team’s official injury report.
After logging a limited practice on Thursday, Jackson did not practice on Friday due to a concussion and a personal matter. The limited reps throughout the first two days of practice put his status for Monday in doubt and could leave him buried on the depth chart when he returns to the field.
Adoree’ Jackson’s Injury Puts Week 10 Playing Time in Serious Jeopardy
Jackson may already be feeling the pressure from the Eagles' new additions. Carter was brought in as an experienced slot corner who could allow DeJean to have a larger role on the outside. The Eagles also took a risk on Alexander, who appeared in just two games with the Baltimore Ravens, but has experience with Parker, who was a defensive quality control coach for the Packers for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Of course, none of these trades may have happened if Jackson lived up to his preseason expectations. Jackson came into the season battling Kelee Ringo for playing time, but struggled when he was called upon during the regular season. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson has allowed 17 receptions, 201 yards, with three pass breakups and one penalty on 27 targets in coverage this season. His 47.1 overall grade also ranks 109th out of 117 qualifying corners this season, likely prompting general manager Howie Roseman to pivot from his preseason strategy.
A perfect scenario would be Jackson on the practice field defending his role in Fangio’s defense. But while that ship may have sailed regardless, his concussion is coming at the wrong time, as Philadelphia seems willing to throw their new corners into the fire.
It means Jackson may be watching more than practice this week with hopes that his teammates don’t take his job in Monday night’s game against the Packers.