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The Philadelphia Eagles could be getting back some reinforcements soon, as head coach Doug Pederson indicated that tackle Jason Peters, linebacker T.J. Edwards and safety/special-teams ace Rudy Ford could all return in the near future, possibly as early as next week against the Dallas Cowboys per Tim McManus of ESPN.com.
Edwards will provide strong run support at the middle linebacker position while Ford has been a valuable special teams asset since joining the Eagles.
The Biggest question will center around what the Eagles choose to do at left tackle, where Jordan Mailata has played well in relief of the injured Jason Peters. With Peters set to return, the Eagles will have a huge decision to make.
Peters was placed on injured reserve after suffering a toe injury just before the game against the San Francisco 49ers. With Peters eligible to be activated off the injured list on Monday, Doug Pederson and Jeff Stoutland will have to decide who’s the starter at left tackle.
The Eagles have been banged up along the offensive line and one move would be to place Peters back at right guard, where he originally signed to play after Brandon Brooks tore his Achilles and was lost for the season.
When asked about the matter on Friday, Pederson hinted at a multitude of options with Peters returning.
“I think that’s a conversation we’ll have internally to see what’s best for the football team, whether it’s he and (Nate) Herbig and Sua Opeta in a guard rotation, or if it’s J.P. back at left tackle. Those are the options we have, which we haven’t had many options lately. It gives us the best availability for these players for our offensive line moving forward.”
Even after giving Peters a raise to play left tackle, the Eagles would likely be best served, putting him back at right guard, while allowing Mailata to continue his ascension at left tackle.
Per Pro Football Focus, Mailata has allowed 3 sacks and 3 quarterback hits, along with 15 total QB pressures allowed in 205 pass-blocking opportunities.
With the Eagles looking to make a playoff run, Peters makes the most sense at guard, allowing Philadelphia to put their five best players on the field at the same time.
Peters will likely hold the cards in the matter and he’s previously wielded his power and hall of fame resume when bargaining with Eagles brass.
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