September 11, 2023

Eagles cornerback James Bradberry could miss Week 2 with concussion

The Eagles' defense suffered another potential loss in Week 1.

By Evan Macy
PhillyVoice Staff

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Colleen Claggett/For PhillyVoice

Eagles CB James Bradberry

The Eagles are already going to be short-handed on defense — and for a few weeks at least — with second-year linebacker Nakobe Dean out with a foot injury. More bad news came from Nick Sirianni Monday afternoon for a defense that was inconsistent against New England.

James Bradberry is in the concussion protocol.

With a Thursday game, that makes clearance to return challenging.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) September 11, 2023

Bradberry is the Eagles' No. 2 corner and plays on the outside. If he's unable to go Thursday night against Minnesota — which seems like a tall order as he'll need to both pass the league's concussion protocol and also be up to speed in practice — Josh Jobe will be the starter alongside Darius Slay. Avonte Maddox would stay in his slot role.

The Eagles will have a tough test for their secondary ahead as Justin Jefferson and rookie Jordan Addison come to town. Though the Vikings lost their opener, Jefferson did put up 150 yards on nine catches. The Birds will probably do everything they can to have Slay pinned to Jefferson across the field.

Bradberry could be fine for Week 3 after he has some extra time to rest and make it through the NFL's procedure.

The next man up mentality will also extend to the other corners on the 53-man roster: Mario Goodrich, Eli Ricks, and Kelee Ringo. Not much experience from that trio.

We'll hear a final decision on Bradberry and his concussion as gameday approaches later this week.