Adoree’ Jackson and Jakorian Bennett are reportedly dealing with injuries, which could hold them out of this week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Given the lack of depth at the cornerback spot on the 53-man roster, the Philadelphia Eagles brought a familiar face back to the organization on Tuesday.
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Eagles are reportedly re-signing Eli Ricks to the practice squad. Ricks, who has been with the team over the last two seasons, was among the final cuts at the end of the preseason.
Philadelphia has played musical chairs with Ricks since the end of preseason in August, cutting and signing him multiple times from the practice squad over the last few weeks. However, the Eagles might need him for Sunday’s game, depending on how things shake out at practice over the next few days with Bennett and Jackson.
Eagles Add CB Depth with Jakorian Bennett, Adoree’ Jackson Banged Up
As of right now, we don’t know what injury Bennett is dealing with. However, we know that the veteran Jackson suffered a groin injury in Week 3 and was ruled questionable to return by the team.
Anytime you’re dealing with a groin injury, you must be very careful, as those can linger if not properly treated.
The Eagles likely don’t want to be caught in a situation where both guys are out, hence the addition of Ricks to the practice squad, who can be elevated at least three times during the season before having to be officially signed to the active roster.
That being said, even with Ricks' return, Philadelphia’s next best option at CB2 if Jackson or Bennett is out is Kelee Ringo. Even with the familiarity Ricks has with Philadelphia's system, the bulk of his time on the field during the 23 appearances he's made for the Eagles has come on special teams.
Ringo was supposed to compete with Jackson for the starting job opposite Quinyon Mitchell during training camp and preseason. However, between a poor showing in the opener and an injury, Jackson was able to hold on.
Nonetheless, Ringo’s time might be on the horizon. On Tuesday, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told reporters that he said to Ringo (h/t Brandon Lee Gowton), “he’s going to get an opportunity at some point and he needs to be ready.”
That time could come as quickly as this Sunday against the Buccaneers, who will likely not have Mike Evans, but that will not deter Baker Mayfield from attacking the Eagles’ secondary with the likes of Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Bucky Irving out of the backfield.