Philadelphia Eagles: Sidney Jones to make NFL debut

By George Stockburger | Dec 30, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 06: Defensive back Sidney Jones of Washington participates in a drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

One of the best talents in the 2017 NFL Draft will make his debut for the Eagles

Eagles second round pick Sidney Jones will play for the first time this year after tearing his achillies tendon during his pro day for Washington.

The Huskies cornerback was projected to be a top-10 pick going into the 2017 NFL Draft before suffering the devastating injury in front of NFL coaches and scouts.

After undergoing minimally invasive surgery to repair the tendon he’s set to play on the one-year anniversary of his last collegiate game.

Several signs were pointing towards Jones playing against the Cowboys in a game that has little meaning for both teams. Linebacker Joe Walker was placed on injured reserve earlier this week, signaling Jones might be ready to debut. Philadelphia has already locked in home field advantage throughout the playoffs and Dallas has been eliminated for weeks. This game certainly won’t be meaningless to Jones or his teammates.

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Jones will likely play in place of second-year starter Jalen Mills, who’s recovering from a minor ankle injury. Ronald Darby will likely match up against Dez Bryant on New Year’s Day, leaving Jones on Terrance Williams, who has two inches on him.

Philadelphia has struggled with season-ending injuries to major pieces of their team all season from linebacker Jordan Hicks, left tackle Jason Peters, special teams star Darren Sproles, and quarterback Carson Wentz.

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To have Jones come back just in time for the playoffs is a major addition to the Eagles secondary, which has been under fire over the last month. They’ve allowed exactly 1,000 passing yards in their last four games to Russell Wilson, Jared Goff, Eli Manning, and Derek Carr.

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Doug Pederson is expected to start his starters on Sunday minus an ailing Brandon Graham. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld will likely see playing time in the second half to keep Nick Foles healthy going into the first round bye.