McPhearson Out For Season

Eagles third-year cornerback Zech McPhearson, a key special-teamer for his first two years, reportedly sustained a torn Achilles in Thursday night’s preseason game, per NFL Media.

#Eagles CB Zech McPhearson suffered a torn Achilles last night in their preseason game vs the #Browns, source says. He is out for the season.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 18, 2023

McPhearson, a 2021 fourth-round pick from Texas Tech, played both inside and outside cornerback spots against the Browns at Lincoln Financial Field before being helped off the field in obvious pain after breaking up a pass that nearly led to an interception for defensive tackle Kentavius Street.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles CB Zech McPhearson needed to be helped off the field Thursday night after reportedly tearing his Achilles.

McPhearson stood a good chance to make the 53-man roster given his experience, special-teams expertise, and standing as the top backup to nickelback Avonte Maddox, who has struggled to stay healthy.

The 25-year-old will undergo surgery that will sideline him for 2023 and open the door for another cornerback to make the 53-man roster as the backup nickel.

It would appear two spots are up for grabs as Darius Slay, James Bradberry and Maddox are locks to the make the team, along with second-year corner Josh Jobe, who made the 53 last year as an undrafted free agent and has continued to impress coaches with his development.

Second-year corner Mario Goodrich, another 2022 undrafted free agent, has been working as a nickel corner with the second team throughout camp and appears to be in contention to make the 53.

The Eagles also used a fourth-round pick on Georgia product Kelee Ringo, who has played outside corner but hasn’t put forth a thrilling preseason. Still, a fourth-round pick almost always makes the team.

Other candidates include veteran corner Greedy Williams, a former Browns second-round pick signed this offseason who’s more suited to play outside, along with veteran nickel Josiah Scott and undrafted rookies Mekhi Garner and Eli Ricks.

– Geoff Mosher (@geoffmoshernfl) is co-host of the “Inside the Birds” podcast and staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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