The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to get reinforcements back on offense coming out of their bye week.
They’re also reportedly set to make a big change on defense entering their Week 6 home game against the Cleveland Browns.
NFL analyst Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Wednesday that he expects rookie Cooper DeJean to take over as the starting nickel corner, a role previously held by veteran Avonte Maddox.
MORE: Cooper DeJean’s timeline to first Eagles start: From offseason injury to awkward NFL debut
Eagles fans have been waiting to see the former Iowa star in action, and it appears DeJean has finally made enough progress in practice to get the green light from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Here’s Fowler’s full report on the move:
Changes to the Eagles' lineup are on the table as 2-2 Philly emerges from its bye week. One position to watch: Rookie Cooper DeJean taking over nickel corner duties from veteran Avonte Maddox. That's a move I'm expecting, barring new developments. DeJean, a second-rounder with first-round talent, got off to a slow start due to a preseason injury but is considered all caught up with Vic Fangio's scheme. I'm told multiple defensive positions were up to discussions over the past week due to a defense that ranks 30th in yards per play allowed (6.0). The shakeup began in earnest Tuesday, when the team released linebacker Devin White, a former Pro Bowl player who has been a healthy scratch all season.
DeJean’s path to playing time has been tough to follow. Although he returned from his offseason hamstring injury in plenty of time to be healthy and active for Week 1, Fangio has continually referenced his lack of reps in training camp for holding the No. 40 overall pick back.
He opened the season playing only in dime packages. Fangio later moved him to the nickel spot, and he’s been the backup to Maddox ever since while learning that role behind the scenes.
DeJean has seen a whopping eight snaps — total — on defense for the Eagles this season, and hasn’t played more than one defensive snap in a game since Week 1. According to ESPN’s report, he’ll finally get a chance to play for a defense that’s been among the worst in the league at defending the pass through the first month of the season.
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