Britain Covey Reveals Surprise Offseason Surgery
Wide receiver Britain Covey has been the Philadelphia Eagles' primary punter returner for the last two seasons. After a solid rookie campaign, the ex-Utah Ute impressed Eagles fans by pacing the NFL in punt return yards in a 2023 season where he only missed one game.
After a great performance like that, it's no wonder that the Philly faithful were caught off guard when Covey revealed on Thursday that he's undergone a surprise offseason surgery.
Eagles News: Britain Covey Underwent Knee Surgery
On Thursday, Covey bumped into Eagles insider Jeff McLane at "Radio Row" in Las Vegas — the five-day event leading up to the Super Bowl where media personalities interview players, coaches, and more. According to McLane, Covey told him that he successfully "had his left knee scoped a few weeks back."
The 26-year-old WR/returner added that the issue that the procedure addressed was likely "why he had a nagging quad issue" throughout the campaign.
LAS VEGAS — Bumped into Britain Covey on Radio Row. The #Eagles WR/PR said he had his left knee scoped a few weeks back. Said it’s probably why he had a nagging quad issue during the season.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) February 8, 2024
Covey had a great 2d season returning punts, but there could be an opportunity at slot…
Covey's hamstring issue dates back to Super Bowl LVII when he was the only player on the Eagles' injury list. The issue also forced him to miss time during last year's training camp, playing a big role in why he wasn't on the 53-man roster until the middle of September.
Hopefully, the surgery helps Covey put any hamstring issues behind him. He's a big part of the Eagles' special teams success, having averaged 14.4 yards on 29 punt returns in his second year. He also turned six targets into four receptions, 42 receiving yards, and a pair of first downs.
Interestingly enough, McLane theorizes that Covey could see a bigger role in the passing game next season. Olamide Zaccheaus and Quez Watkins both hit free agency next month and neither is a lock to return. If the Eagles don't find a No. 3 WR at the 2024 NFL Draft or free agency, the Provo, UT native could be the next man up.
Time will tell if Covey can help bring another championship to Philadelphia next season. The Eagles currently have the eighth-best odds to win the Super Bowl in 2025, per Fan Duel Sportsbook.
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