Good news for Ronald Darby and the Eagles.
Darby suffered a dislocated ankle in Sunday's win over Washington but reportedly will be able to return this season.
At his Monday press conference, head coach Doug Pederson said the team was trying to gather more information before making an official statement. That seems to jive with a Philadelphia Daily News report that states while the Eagles believe the injury to be four to six weeks for recovery, Darby is going to get a second opinion.
Darby was injured in the second quarter of the Eagles' season-opening 30-17 road win. His right ankle needed to be immobilized as he was carted off the field after just 18 snaps. After he left, Jalen Mills stepped into the No. 1 corner role and played well (see story). In fact, the entire secondary played pretty well.
Getting Darby back this season would be crucial for the Eagles, who had a shaky cornerback situation before trading Jordan Matthews and a draft pick to acquire Darby on Aug. 11. But on Sunday night, the Eagles were preparing for the possibility Darby would be out long-term. Malcolm Jenkins said his unit was confident before Darby came in, so it was still confident in the secondary without him (see story).
With Darby out, Patrick Robinson played outside as well as in the nickel corner role on Sunday. The Eagles actually didn't change any of their packages after the injury. Jaylen Watkins came in at corner, Robinson played inside and outside and Jenkins played slot corner at times.
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Rookie third-rounder Rasul Douglas (who was inactive Sunday) might also play a larger role thanks to the injury.