Clock’s Ticking…

PHILADELPHIA — For the better part of three weeks, Oren Burks was a spectator at Eagles training camp, idly looking on from the sideline while a new-look Eagles defense began to take shape.

The expectations for the veteran free-agent signing were to be a rotational linebacker and core special teamer while also providing leadership and experience to a scrutinized room.

But on the first day of training camp, doing nothing more than an individual drill, Burks came up lame, a setback later reported as a knee injury.

The road to recovery featured extensive rehab, including plenty of running and conditioning drills in an effort to gradually ramp things up.

“I was just having some knee issues,” Burks explained Sunday, his second day as a limited participant. “I just really appreciate the trainers and doctors helping me get back to feeling like myself now. So, ready to get rolling.”

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles veteran LB Oren Burks is hoping to showcase his ability to make the team after missing most of camp with a knee injury.

It wasn’t until Saturday that the linebacker was deemed eligible to partake in practice – in a limited capacity, exclusive to individual drills.

While the knee injury now appears to be in the rear view, however, it was a nagging issue, Burks said, that had been brewing, predating training camp.

“It was just kinda an ongoing thing and it just wasn’t ready to go by the time we came for camp,” he said. “I’m just getting back to myself now; I’m feeling really good, explosive, fast, everything I need to be able to play football.”

For most players, being sidelined for essentially the duration of training camp while attempting to grasp the subtleties and nuances of a new defense would be nearly impossible to overcome.

But working in his favor is that Burks, 29, is versed is multiple defenses. And even though there are no substitutes for physical reps and learning on the job, Burks made the best of his plight, fixating on mental reps and helping some of the younger players in his position group understand coordinator Vic Fangio’s  defense.

“For me, this is Year 7 coming up,” he said. “So, I just approach it as being a pro. Just handling my business on and off the field. Even when I’m getting the mental reps, being active in meetings and helping out the young guys with scheme and things like that. So, just kinda knowing my role in that situation.

“I’m the oldest guy in the room, which is kinda foreign to me, but it’s something I accept full on. Excited for the opportunity and happy to be here in Philadelphia.”

The elder statesman of the linebacker room – despite being south of 30 – Burks adds an extensive resume (91 games, 15 starts), big-game experience and a sharp football mind to the mix of a diversified Eagles linebacker room, featuring a group with each player offering a unique skill set.

In terms of making an impression, the veteran is short on time. While the top three linebacker roles are virtually etched in stone, the two youngsters — Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Ben VanSumeren — have also had good camps. They also represent upside and long-term value.

With only three practices remaining on the 2024 training camp slate before the preseason finale, Burks must showcase his value and versatility for a chance to stick around.

He’ll need to get fully cleared first, but he’s hoping to have an opportunity to suit up Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings and make up for lost time.

But Burks isn’t looking ahead or dwelling on his position. Instead, the veteran defender is taking things daily, finally returning to form and preparing for his opportunity.

“I’m feeling like myself again,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that I started off camp with an injury, but I’m doing the best I can, day-by-day, rehabbing and getting back. Taking the mental reps. And I wanna be ready when the time comes.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.