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Philadelphia Eagles injuries leading to tremendous opportunities for wide receivers

By George Stockburger

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles is congratulated by his teammate Mack Hollins #10 after his 21-yard reception against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles is congratulated by his teammate Mack Hollins #10 after his 21-yard reception against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Early injuries for the Philadelphia Eagles could pay off in the long-run

Not long after the Philadelphia Eagles hoisted the Lombardi Trophy we learned their top receiver Alshon Jeffrey played the entire season with a torn rotator cuff. Considering Jeffery had nine regular-season touchdowns and made crucial plays throughout the playoffs, it’s an incredible feat.

Now on the PUP list recovering from the surgery, Jeffery’s injury has opened doors for others on the Eagles roster.

Fast-forward to Tuesday’s practice when head coach Doug Pederson announced that Nelson Agholor suffered a lower-body injury. Pederson said the plan is for Agholor to be ready for week one against Atlanta, signaling the former first round pick could sit out the remaining three preseason games for Philadelphia.

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Without Jeffery and Agholor the Eagles top receivers would be veteran Mike Wallace, special teamer Mack Hollins, and a slew of late picks and castaway vets.

Hollins was drafted in the fourth round last year out of UNC and was primarily used on special teams. He did catch 16 passes with a touchdown in the regular season, but he could be a starter week one if either Jeffery or Agholor isn’t ready.

There are three other names to watch for if the Eagles need to open the season with an extra receiver on the 53 man roster: Shelton Gibson, Kamar Aiken, and Markus Wheaton.

Gibson was drafted out of West Virginia last year but failed to break the 53-man roster. Philadelphia kept him on the practice squad, and he showed up in their first preseason game with a deep touchdown reception.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 23: Kamar Aiken #11 of the Baltimore Ravens signals a first down against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 23, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 23: Kamar Aiken #11 of the Baltimore Ravens signals a first down against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 23, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Wheaton and Aiken are the veteran castaways in camp who could compete for a fifth or sixth receiver spot. Two years ago with Pittsburgh Wheaton had a breakout year, catching five touchdowns with 749 receiving yards. Aiken also had five touchdowns and nearly 1,000 receiving yards back in 2015, but he saw 30 fewer targets the last two seasons combined than he did in 2015.

Neither Wheaton or Aiken had a catch in the Eagles first preseason game, but they now have an opportunity to push themselves into the 53-man roster conversation. It’s a tremendous opportunity for both as they try to resurrect their NFL careers.

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Look for one of the two to have a big game either against New England on Thursday or next week against Cleveland.

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