August 18, 2023
Third-year CB Zech McPhearson tore his Achilles in the Philadelphia Eagles' second preseason game against the Cleveland Browns Thursday night, according to a report from Cody Benjamin of CBS.
MRI confirms #Eagles CB Zech McPhearson suffered a torn Achilles vs. Browns, per source. He’s expected out at least 7-8 months but is in good spirits and plans to return sooner, if possible. Had been battling for both outside and nickel opportunities entering 2023. pic.twitter.com/TKiT9tmELa
— Cody J. Benjamin (@CodyJBenjamin) August 18, 2023
This was the play where McPhearson got hurt:
Just got off the phone with a client about my Achilles Tendon rupture article and then watched the Eagles’ Zech McPhearson go down hard. Right lower leg injury as he lunges forward to get the tipped ball. pic.twitter.com/jkNyJk3zYy
— Derek M. Hansen (@DerekMHansen) August 18, 2023
In 2021, McPhearson was the first outside cornerback off the bench, but Darius Slay and Steven Nelson started every game (the meaningless Week 18 game vs. Dallas aside), and we only got some clues as to what McPhearson might look like in the regular defense.
In 2022, once again, the Eagles' starting cornerbacks — this time Slay and James Bradberry — started every game. The only game in which McPhearson got meaningful playing time in a non-blowout was against the Jaguars Week 4 after Slay got hurt in the first quarter.
While he has waited for his opportunity in the regular defense, McPhearson has become one of the Eagles' best special teams players. In 2023, McPhearson had a chance to expand his role by adding backup slot corner duties to his plate. He was up and down in training camp and the preseason games before his injury.
With McPhearson now done for the season, 2022 UDFA Mario Goodrich is probably next in line for backup slot corner duties.
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