New Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson turned some heads on the practice field this past week, but not exactly how you’d expect from the former Penn State standout.
Dotson’s been the center of much discussion due to his odd jersey number choice — one Eagles fans are more accustomed to seeing on bruising tight ends.
Dotson took to X.com (formerly Twitter) on Saturday to set the record straight on the No. 87 he’s been rocking at practice. It turns out that 87 wasn't his preference after all:
I hope y’all understand the number decision is out of my control 🤣 Just a guy happy to be here !
Makes sense. Brent Celek spent 11 seasons in Philadelphia with the No. 87, closing a well-rounded NFL career with a win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. The most recent Eagles player to wear the number was C.J. Uzomah, another tight end who was among the Eagles' slew of roster cuts this summer.
It would definitely be funny to see the 5-foot-11, 184-pound Dotson rocking a number typically worn by much larger individuals in Philly this season. His reaction Saturday seems to hint that a number change could be coming. He's probably just wearing the number he was assigned when he arrived in Philadelphia toward the end of training camp. As the team's new No. 3 receiver, he could be looking to earn his stripes before requesting a number change.
The former first-round pick wore the No. 1 during his two seasons with the Washington Commanders. That number, of course, is occupied by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. The No. 5, which Dotson wore at Penn State, is unavailable as well. That number was retired in 2013, after Donovan McNabb got inducted to the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame.
The No. 87 does seem to be suiting Dotson fine so far in the 215. Teammates have said nothing but glowing things since he arrived, including this nugget from top wide out A.J. Brown:
"He has a big opportunity in front of him,” Brown said. “I don't want to put too much on his plate, but he does. … I know when I come to the line (the defensive players) adjust. I know they adjust for (DeVonta Smith). They probably aren't putting their best guy on (Dotson). They only can do so much. It's going to be mismatches all day."
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