As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for their Week 6 matchup on Thursday night against the New York Giants, fans are once again wondering about the No. 2 cornerback position, which has been an ongoing discussion throughout the first five weeks of the season.
Third-year CB Kelee Ringo has started the last two games opposite Quinyon Mitchell for Adoree’ Jackson. Jackson missed Week 4 with a groin injury, but was healthy to play in Week 5.
Ringo didn’t fare well in coverage in last week’s game against the Denver Broncos, as he gave up four completions on seven targets for 56 yards and allowed a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter.
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Fangio was asked on Tuesday about sticking with Ringo as the starter and said, “possibly.” The long-time defensive coordinator didn’t provide any context behind his non-answer, leaving it up in the air whether Ringo will start.
Eagles DC Vic Fangio Not Ready to Close Door on Kelee Ringo Starting
This is not the answer that Eagles fans likely wanted to hear from Fangio, as his one-word reply perfectly sums up how the CB2 spot has gone this season. Although Ringo wasn’t the main reason why the Eagles lost to the Broncos, Denver felt comfortable enough to attack the young cornerback, and it worked out to their benefit.
The third-year cornerback will potentially get one more chance to prove himself against a beleaguered Giants’ wide receiver unit that might not have Darius Slayton, who is reportedly dealing with a hamstring injury, per Dan Duggan of The Athletic.
Without Slayton on the field, the Giants’ next best option at WR is Wan’Dale Robinson. If Ringo can't hold his own against rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and a mediocre Giants’ passing game, then the Eagles have a bigger issue on their hands.
After the Eagles play the Giants on Thursday, their next three games are against the Minnesota Vikings, the Giants, and the Green Bay Packers. That’s not an easy stretch for whoever is at CB2, as the Vikings and Packers’ WR units have playmakers, and if Ringo can't handle the Giants this week, it's safe to say he won't again the second time.
Therefore, Eagles fans should find out rather quickly on Thursday night whether Fangio is sticking with Ringo or going back to the veteran in Jackson, who played well enough in Weeks 2 and 3 before getting hurt.