The Philadelphia Eagles have dropped two straight games and own an 8-4 record going into Week 14. They are set to play against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football and need this win to help stabilize things as the playoff picture takes shape.
While the Eagles will be without Jalen Carter in this contest, it appears they could have Xavier Gipson back in the game. Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that Gibson (shoulder) returned to practice on Thursday, which is a step in the right direction for his return. Yet, the Eagles will have to choose between him and Britain Covey, and that decision is quite easy.
And with that being Covey, it'll mean the desire for Gipson on the roster isn't high. With him not needed on the team, the Eagles would be wise to open up that roster spot for someone else, especially with the injuries along the offensive line and the questions in the secondary.
Xavier Gipson’s Potential Return to Eagles Takes Away Roster Spot
After being cut by the Jets and Giants, Philadelphia claimed Gipson due to their need for a returner, but he showed he couldn't answer the bell. He suited up in five games for Philly, and he fumbled in two of his outings.
The biggest one came against the Cowboys in Week 12, when he fielded a punt at the one-yard line before fumbling and injuring his shoulder in the process. Not only did the same fumbling issues that plagued him in New York follow him down to Philadelphia, but it's also obvious that they have a better option on the team as his replacement.
Covey has been around in Philly since 2022 and has been solid as a punt returner. Over 39 career games, he has 780 punt return yards (11.3 yards per return). While he hasn't been a massive difference maker back there, he at least has sure hands. That's a bonus for the Eagles, but that means they don't need to carry both Gipson and Covey.
As the Eagles make a push for the playoffs, every roster spot matters, especially as they have several players dealing with injuries as the calendar hits December. Using that spot could go a long way towards closing out the season. Gibson has made it clear he isn't an asset on this team, so there's no real reason to keep him around. And the quicker Philadelphia realizes that, the better off they'll be.