After five long weeks, the Eagles have finally received some encouraging news. Star cornerback Ronald Darby will return to practice this week, according to Head Coach Doug Pederson.
Pederson: CB Ronald Darby will practice this week. Can’t commit to him playing on Monday night, tho. #Eagles
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) October 19, 2017
#Eagles coach Doug Pederson tells reporters CB Ronald Darby (ankle) will practice this week. The goal had always been MNF vs. the #Skins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2017
Ian Rapoport noted that this week’s showdown against Washington “had always been the goal”, which would indicate Darby is right on course to return in time after a longer week to prepare.
Darby had a very impressive first outing for the Eagles before he lost his footing when covering Jordan Reed and suffered a horrible ankle injury. In his absence, the duo of Jalen Mills and Rasul Douglas have been able to hold their own.
The Eagles’ third round pick this year stepped up to the plate and already has 14 tackles this season along with 6 passes defensed and 2 interceptions. The corners have however been playing predominantly in off-coverage. The return of Darby would allow the Eagles to become physical at the line of scrimmage once again.
The team are scheduled to release their first injury report today so we should see the capacity in which Darby returns to practice. Although he’s likely to be limited, this is an extremely encouraging sign for the Eagles secondary. If Darby doesn’t return this week, then a resurgence against Denver could well be on the cards.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
