The Philadelphia Eagles expect Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson to play on Sunday.
Jackson spent his first first six seasons in Philadelphia after being drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He had a career year in his last year with the Eagles, catching 82 passes for 1,332 yards with nine touchdown receptions.
The Eagles cut Jackson in March of 2014, and then he signed a three-year contract with the Redskins. Eagles head coach Chip Kelly reportedly decided to let Jackson go because he didn't fit the culture that Kelly is aspiring to create in Philadelphia.
Jackson might not play on Sunday. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins and hasn't played since. He didn't practice on Monday or Wednesday, but Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said there's a possibility of Jackson playing on Sunday.
Jackson gives the Redskins the best chance to win. The Eagles will game plan for him.
"We'll prepare for DeSean," Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis said. "I think he's probably right on the verge of coming back and knowing DeSean, he will want to come back for this game, just to get back out there and help his teammates more than anything else. We will absolutely prepare for him along with [tight end Jordan] Reed and [wide receiver Pierre] Garcon. They are getting a lot of balls and they are really getting some production out of their receiving and tight end game."
A main emphasis for the Eagles secondary going into this season was giving up the big play. In 2014, the Eagles gave up 72 passing plays of 20-plus yards. After giving up 20 points to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, the Eagles defense has only given up 30 points.
As Eagles fans remember from his time in Philadelphia, he can hit the home run play. He had 35 receptions of 40-plus yards during his time as an Eagle. In two games against the Eagles last season as a member of the Redskins, Jackson accounted for nine receptions for 243 yards and one touchdown.
"I don't know if the scheme changes much with him in or out," Eagles safety Malcom Jenkins said. "I think it's just the awareness of our deep defenders because he's the one who could blow the top off of the coverage the fastest. As a middle-of-the-field player, I'm probably always going to keep my eyes now here he is."
Both teams look to improve their overall record to 2-2 on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
