By Paul Bowman, Eagledelphia Managing Editor
While the Eagles are set to get a key part of the offense back, they also got word that a key part of the defense will be out for the season. Derrick Gunn of NBCSPhilly is reporting that McLeod had MCL surgery to repair the injury he suffered against the Colts.
As I reported Monday a league source confirmed to me a short while ago eagle safety Rodney McLeod had surgery this morning for torn MCL his season is over
— Derrick Gunn (@RealDGunnNBCS) September 27, 2018
The loss of McLeod means that Corey Graham will see more playing time. Graham played well last season for the birds, racking up 28 tackles, four pass deflections and two interceptions. That is why the Eagles wanted to bring him back this season. Once Graham decided he would not be retiring, he signed back in Philadelphia.
The Eagles primary backup is now Deiondre’ Hall. The Eagles acquired Hall from the Chicago Bears for a conditional seventh-round pick. He has upside but has had near constant off-the-field issues as well as problems with personal fouls while on the field. He plays safety with speed and a hard hitting manner, similar to McLeod, but has struggled with off the field issues (he was suspended for week one).
After the Carolina Panthers signed Eric Reid this morning, expect the Eagles to bring Tre Sullivan back to the roster. Unless they are able to get another starting caliber safety in a trade, the Eagles like what Sullivan brings to the table if he can clean up his play on special teams. Sullivan is currently on the Eagles practice squad.
The Eagles also have Chris Maragos on the PUP list. In theory, he would be eligible to return as a backup in week seven, but based on the fact that he and the Eagles reworked his contract so that he is no longer under team control in 2019, it would seem like neither party really expects him back anytime soon.