Change For a Nickel

Through the first two weeks of the 2023 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles have been an active name in the transaction and injury report.

On the latest episode of “Inside The Birds,” Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher provided intel on the latest moves, injuries, and potential role changes within the team.

Eagles may have to get creative to replace slot CB Avonte Maddox.

Trey Sermon

Adam Caplan: “He was waived/injured. Whatever injury he had, we were told it was around three weeks anyway. We don’t even know what the injury is. He can be claimed by a team on Monday at 4 p.m. EST and if he is not, he is eligible to sign to the team’s practice squad.”

Avonte Maddox

Mosher: “This has been the deal with Avonte Maddox. The Eagles are going to be undermanned in the slot and that is an area that hurt them at times last year. They are going to have to figure out how to make do there.”

Caplan: “He has a torn pectoral muscle. If it is a full tear, he is done for the season. If it is a partial tear, he could come back late this season. Mario Goodrich replaced him at nickel. The scouting report is you like the smarts and he has the ability to be a slot corner in the league, but to ask him to do it full-time for the rest of the season is a big ask.”

D’Andre Swift

Mosher: “I don’t think the tables have turned to become 80% D’Andre Swift and 20% Kenny Gainwell. If there is one area where the coaches like Gainwell more, it is in pass protection and blitz pickup.”

Caplan: “He has only had 15 or more carries in his career in four games. The Lions did not feel he could stay on the field…He is just not solidly built. The sweet spot should be 12-15 carries a game.”

Fletcher Cox

Caplan: “He has played the most snaps of their defensive tackles this season. Last season Week 1, we talked to people and they crushed Cox and (Javon) Hargrave for not hustling and just not playing well enough, we have heard that [now] he is the leader of their defense, the guy that the young guys look to. He is playing really well.” 

Slot Cornerback Replacements

Mosher: “You can play your big nickel, put Justin Evans in the slot, and play Terrell Edmunds and Reed Blankenship as your safeties as long as everyone is healthy.”

Caplan: “At least they would have a backup plan temporarily. The good thing is with a game on Monday night, they can work guys out, sign somebody on Tuesday, get the guy in for the three practices and see what he can do and sign him to the practice squad.”

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

Listen to the latest “Inside The Birds” podcast featuring Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher:

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