Safety McLeod lost for season with MCL tear
PHILADELPHIA » Rodney McLeod’s season is over, as the Eagles’ safety underwent surgery for a torn medial collateral ligament per NBC Sports Philly.
Cornerback Jalen Mills, who inadvertently speared McLeod with his helmet in the third quarter against the Colts last Sunday, was shaken up by the sight of his teammate writhing in pain on the field. Mills followed McLeod into the injury tent.
“I’m feeling heartfelt for my brother,” Mills said after practice Thursday. “I know how hard the guy works. I know his preparation off the field and the effort that he puts on the field whether it’s in practice or the game. You don’t ever want to see a guy like that who’s putting it all on the line go down like that.”
Corey Graham stepped in when McLeod was hurt Sunday. He recorded two tackles and one pass breakup.
While neither Graham nor the Eagles confirmed his promotion, the 33-year-old veteran in his 12th season, including his second with the Eagles, says he’s ready to take on more playing time. Graham played 47 of the Eagles’ 59 defensive snaps this past weekend. The Eagles are four-point favorites versus the Titans Sunday in Nashville.
“I was already playing a lot,” Graham said. “So, it’s not going to change much. I’ll probably just play double the amount of plays now. But I’ll be doing the same things. They’ll keep me in the same role. I’ll be playing the same position. It’s just going to be more plays now.”
If the Eagles want experienced depth at safety they could promote safety Tre Sullivan to the active roster. He played in the opener against the Falcons although he muffed a rolling punt that Atlanta.
The Eagles have cornerbacksafety Deiondre Hall on the 53man roster. The late pickup has played strictly on special teams.
Eagles defensive captain Malcolm Jenkins said the Eagles have “a roomful of versatile guys that can play multiple positions.
“We’ve got a ton of packages that we can put out there based on what we need,” Jenkins said. “So, there’s no concerns there.”
McLeod is tied for the team lead with four pass breakups. It’s not a good time for the 28-year-old veteran to get hurt.
McLeod is due $7.5 million in base pay next season. The Eagles would save $4.8 million in salary cap space by releasing before June 1, and $5.1 million after that date.
McLeod has six interceptions in 36 starts for the Eagles since joining the club via free agency in 2016.
••• Elsewhere on the injury front Thursday, wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (illness) and Darren Sproles (hamstring) were held out of practice.
Running back Corey Clement (quad) and wide receiver Jordan Matthews (hamstring) were limited.
The good news is running back Jay Ajayi was a full participant. He sat out the Eagles’ last game.
For the Titans, quarterback Marcus Mariota, offensive tackle Jack Conklin and cornerback Adoree Jackson returned to practice.
Jackson still has to clear concussion protocol.
••• Now that the Lions snapped the longest NFL streak without a 100yard rusher, a skein that lasted 70 games, the longest active streak of games without a 100-yard rusher is ... 15 By the Eagles
The Eagles haven’t had a 100yard runner since LeGarrette Blount got 136 yards on 16 carries in a 26-24 road win against the Chargers in Week 4 last season.
The streak is 18 games if you include the playoffs.
The Eagles are are 10-2 in those regular-season games without a 100-yard man and 13-2, including the playoffs.
••• After reviewing the rule about roughing the passer with an emphasis on the use of body weight by the tackler, the NFL Competition Committee decided against changing the rule. So, get used to it. And oh, by the way, it hasn’t been an issue for the Eagles.
“To me as a former quarterback, it appears that those are good, clean hits,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “I don’t make those decisions, obviously. But you just keep playing. Quite honestly, keep playing, keep coaching to play hard, and you just have to accept that something like that’s going to happen, whether it’s to your opponent or to us. They are great examples to teach from and to learn from.”