The Philadelphia Eagles still haven’t solved their ongoing issues at CB2, as Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo haven’t done much to separate themselves, which has been a constant theme throughout this season.
Some Eagles fans thought Jakorian Bennett, who was acquired before the preseason opener, would factor into the CB2 mix. However, Bennett hasn’t played much (24 defensive snaps) this season and was placed on injured reserve following Week 3.
That said, the fans received good news on the injury front regarding Bennett on Wednesday, who could give defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and the Eagles’ front office brass something to think about in the weeks ahead of the trade deadline.
According to Zach Berman of The Athletic, Philadelphia announced that it opened up the 21-day practice window for Bennett. This means the Eagles will have three weeks to activate Bennett off injured reserve and get him back on the field.
Eagles Open Jakorian Bennett’s 21-Day Practice Window Ahead of Trade Deadline
On Tuesday, Fangio was asked to evaluate Bennett’s performance to this point, and the veteran coordinator gave a clear and honest answer.
"Yeah, incomplete. I just never felt like I had a good handle on what he is and what he isn't. I just don't think he played enough to answer that with definitive conviction," Fangio said via Cayden Steele of NJ.com.
Fangio also told reporters that the young defensive back’s playing time will be “determined by practice,” and he’ll be a guy that they “take a hard look at,” per Cory Nidoh of Philly Sports Network.
With Jackson suffering a concussion in last week’s win over the Vikings, the Eagles could use Bennett as early as this week. In the limited defensive snaps that he’s played this season, the 25-year-old cornerback has given up six completions on 10 targets for 50 yards, while posting a 72.9 passer rating allowed when targeted.
The last time we saw Bennett on the field was in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, where he gave up three completions on six targets for 30 yards and had a 64.6 passer rating allowed when targeted.
Based on what fans have seen from Ringo and Jackson, they’re open to seeing what Bennett can do with extended playing time. If Bennett can play this weekend, it will give the Eagles one more look at the CB room before their Week 9.
The NFL trade deadline is on Nov. 4, and the Eagles could look to address the pass rush or the CB2 spot. There is no shortage of potential cornerback trade options for Philadelphia, including former Pro Bowler Riq Woolen.
Eagles fans would love to see Woolen in midnight green, but Bennett could change the team’s plans if he can make a couple of plays on Sunday against the New York Giants if he’s activated.