Eagles eyeing return of key defensive player from 2024 rookie class

Ryan OLeary

Eagles eyeing return of key defensive player from 2024 rookie class image

The Philadelphia Eagles could have one of their top 2024 draft picks back on the field in a matter of weeks.

Rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean, the Eagles’ 40th overall pick, was activated off the NFL’s non-football injury list in time to join his teammates for Tuesday’s joint practice session with the Patriots.

DeJean was a limited participant in the practice, working only in individual drills. But he came away feeling confident that the hamstring injury he suffered while training back home in Iowa this offseason is finally behind him. DeJean spent a total of 20 days on the NFI list.

Head coach Nick Sirianni had this to say about DeJean prior to practice:

“He’s progressing nicely,” Sirianni said. “He’s going to get some individual work today, see how he feels. He’s progressing nicely. … Don’t know about the team stuff yet, but let’s see how he is through individual.”

The good news for Eagles fans? DeJean is preparing himself to play in the Eagles’ third and final preseason game, home against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 24.

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Ryan OLeary

Ryan OLeary Photo

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.