June 13, 2018
Second-year Eagles' cornerback Sidney Jones has found himself in a similar position to where he was during his rookie season in Philadelphia: on the sidelines.
After missing all but one game during the 2017 season while recovering from a torn Achilles' tendon suffered during his pro day last spring, the University of Washington product did not participate in the team's mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday. During last week's voluntary OTAs, Jones was in attendance but was not seen practicing, at least during the sessions that were open to the media.
That's not a good sign for a guy many were hoping would play a substantial role on the Eagles defense this season. And while Pederson wouldn't go into the specifics during his press conference, he did calm some nerves by making it clear that this is not related to the Achilles' injury that kept him out last season.
"Right now, he's dealing with a little soreness, not related to his Achilles," Pederson said. "[We're] just resting him and making sure he's 100 percent."
On Tuesday, Jones told reporters that he was just dealing with some "minor soreness" and being held out of practice was simple a "precaution."
A day later, his coach confirmed that the team is simply playing it safe with their talented young cornerback, adding that this is not the time to risk anything injury-wise.
"We're taking precautions," Pederson said. "Again, this is not the time we're going to push anybody. Not going to put anybody out there that's nicked up, banged up. We want to make sure everybody's ready to go for training camp."
After wrapping up minicamp this week, the team will be off for the next month-plus until training camp opens in July. Currently, our own Jimmy Kempski projects Jones as the team's nickel corner — unless, of course, they trade one of their other cornerbacks.
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