Jordan Mailata's Return on the Horizon: Eagles Open Practice Window
The Philadelphia Eagles might soon see a boost to their offensive line with the potential return of offensive tackle Jordan Mailata. After suffering a hamstring tear back in Week 6 during a clash with the Cleveland Browns, Mailata is now eyeing a comeback. The Eagles have initiated a 21-day practice window for Mailata, indicating a promising turn in his recovery journey.
Mailata's injury was the result of an aggressive play, where he aggravated his hamstring while pursuing Rodney McLeod following a blocked field goal attempt. The event marked a challenging moment not only for him but also the team, leaving him down on the field for several tense minutes. This incident signaled the severity of the impact, both physically on Mailata and strategically for the team. Since that fateful game, Mailata has been on the injured reserve list, missing out on key action.
As Mailata contemplates his return, the Eagles have temporarily filled his position with Fred Johnson, who has started in place of Mailata over the last four games. Johnson, while doing his best, logged a 10.1% pressure rate across 109 pass-blocking snaps. His efforts have resulted in the concession of five sacks alongside 11 pressures, highlighting the challenges of filling the void left by Mailata.
In contrast, Mailata's performance prior to his injury showcased his significant value to the Eagles. He allowed only one sack and was accountable for seven pressures over 178 pass-blocking snaps, boasting a considerably lower pressure rate per dropback of 3.9%. Clearly, his return would bolster the Eagles' protective capabilities on the field.
The Eagles organization is considering a cautious approach with Mailata's reintroduction to game action. To ensure Mailata is adequately prepared and to mitigate the risk of re-injury, they have the option to delay his return until their matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on November 25. This decision would afford Mailata additional recovery time, ideally allowing him to return to his pre-injury form.
During a recent conversation with a few reporters, Mailata was seen sporting a large sleeve over his left leg, an indication that the road to recovery is still ongoing. "My hamstring was tight," Mailata mentioned, offering insight into his condition and mindset as he continues his rehabilitation.
The upcoming days will be crucial in determining Mailata's status and readiness to rejoin his teammates on the gridiron. Whether the Eagles choose to unleash Mailata sooner or give him further time to heal, his eventual return is highly anticipated and eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike.