The Philadelphia Eagles have activated the practice windows for both Sydney Brown and rookie wideout Ainias Smith. The team revealed this on Monday evening via X.
Help is on the way for the Eagles
Sydney Brown’s return is a notable one. The second-year Safety spent the offseason rehabbing a torn ACL and looks set to rejoin his teammates in the new-look defense soon. Brown registered 45 total tackles, 3 passes defended, and a forced fumble along with a pick-six in his rookie year.
This is obviously good news for the Eagles, who have been caught lacking in the secondary a few too many times this season. Avonte Maddox has been somewhat of a liability in the slot and while it remains unclear as to where Brown will factor into Fangio’s plans, getting him on the field is a must.
The Eagles might well move Maddox to a rotational role and CJGJ down into the nickel to reduce his own missed tackle woes, while Sydney Brown hangs over the top. It’s not a guarantee, but it at least makes sense in terms of getting the best players on the field.
As for rookie wideout Ainias Smith, his return comes at the same time as those of DeVonta Smith & A.J Brown following the Bye week, so opportunities will be limited unlike in previous weeks where the Birds were forced to lean on John Ross and Parris Campbell.
It will be interesting to see how the Eagles deploy Sydney Brown over the coming weeks and whether or not they decide to give Ainias Smith a shot given that Jahan Dotson has struggled to make the most of his opportunities.
The team will be back in action this weekend against the Browns.
Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
