The 2023 NFL Preseason has not been kind to the Philadelphia Eagles’ depth chart, especially on special teams.
Even with head coach Nick Sirianni opting to withhold the starters from the preseason following a long run to the Super Bowl, the Eagles have not been able to escape either of the first two preseason games unscathed.
Philadelphia lost its special teams ace and backup linebacker Shaun Bradley in the Week 1 loss versus the Baltimore Ravens. Bradley, an impending free agent, has likely played his last game in an Eagles’ uniform after being ruled out for the season with a torn Achilles.
In Week 2, the Eagles’ special teams lost its top gunner in backup cornerback Zech McPhearson. Like Bradley, McPhearson has been ruled out for the season with a torn Achilles.
Both players are expected to be able to return to football activities in about eight months.
Who Benefits The Most On The Eagles’ Depth Chart?
There was an obvious logjam at cornerback heading into the preseason and things have only gotten hazier since.
Undrafted free agent Eli Ricks has exhibited the confidence of a potential shutdown corner in his short time in an Eagles’ uniform. Ricks performed well in coverage and had an interception return for a touchdown in his debut against the Baltimore Ravens.
Then, Josh Jobe performed well in joint practices versus the Cleveland Browns, further complicating the Eagles’ depth chart.
However, another play could emerge as the main beneficiary in McPhearson’s absence.
Mario Goodrich suddenly has a better chance of making the Eagles’ roster now that McPhearson is out of the equation. Goodrich had received some first-team snaps at nickel corner in training camp and could get extended looks in nickel and dime situations.
With McPhearson out, the Eagles’ younger cornerbacks will have to step up in key situations. If that can’t happen, expect the front office to look into adding a veteran heading into the season.
What Will Philadelphia Do On Special Teams?
The Eagles have a talented room of defensive backs, so Sean Desai won’t have to look far for McPhearson’s potential replacement.
However, replacing his production on special teams might be more difficult.
The Eagles will need to get creative after McPhearson embraced his role as the gunner last season.
McPhearson had seven special teams tackles in 2022, the most by an Eagles gunner in the past seven years,
