A couple weeks ago, we listed all the Philadelphia Eagles players who are still recovering from surgeries they had either during the season last year, or during the offseason this year. The following is what we wrote in mid-May, followed by an update on each player after the team's first OTA session last Tuesday.
• QB Carson Wentz: Wentz continues his rehab from a torn ACL and LCL suffered Week 14 last year in Los Angeles against the Rams. Wentz says he is on track to start Week 1 of the 2018 season. The team has been less willing to set any goals for his return.
First OTA session: Wentz was the focus of our practice notes from the first day of OTAs, as he participated in individual drills. With the disclaimer that I'm not a doctor, he appeared further along in his recovery than expected. Here's a small taste of what he looked like on Tuesday:
Dr. David Chao, who has a good track record of analyzing video and opining on players' injuries from afar, wrote that Wentz looks good, but that the injury is far from behind him.
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• RB Darren Sproles: Sproles tore his ACL Week 3 last season against the Giants. He seems to be doing well with his recovery.
First OTA session: Sproles was one of two absences during these voluntary practices, along with Michael Bennett. That's nothing new. Sproles typically opts to work out at home in California instead of at OTAs.
"We've communicated with (Sproles and Bennett), stayed in touch with them," said Doug Pederson. "I sound like a broken record, but it is a voluntary program. Two guys that I don't have a lot of concern as far as their ability to help us win games because they're veteran players and they know how to get themselves ready to go."
• WR Alshon Jeffery: Jeffery played all season with a torn rotator cuff, and had surgery to repair it after the season. He will miss all spring practices, but could be ready to go for the preseason.
First OTA session: Jeffery did not practice at all.
• OT Jason Peters: Peters tore an ACL and MCL Week 7 last season against the Redskins. He should be ready to go for Week 1 of the 2018 season.
First OTA session: Peters worked out a little in individual drills, and participated in group install (when the Eagles install their plays). He did not play during competitive team drills.
• DE Brandon Graham: As noted above, it was revealed by Tim McManus of ESPN that Graham had surgery for an ankle injury suffered late in the Eagles' regular season. McManus reports that "while there is some hope he could participate in organized team activities or minicamp, the more concrete goal is to be ready for training camp in July."
First OTA session: Graham did not practice at all.
"He had his ankle cleaned out," said Pederson. "I'm no medical expert, so don't quote me on that one. But, listen, he's another one that we just have to manage. Obviously, when you see him, he's in a cast, so we can't do much with him right now, and hopefully we get him back before too long."
• DE Derek Barnett: Barnett had sports hernia surgery shortly after the Birds' season concluded. According to the source, the recovery period is only six weeks, and the procedure should make that area of his body stronger. Do the math, and Barnett should already be recovered.
First OTA session: Barnett practiced in full. He is indeed fine.
• DT Timmy Jernigan: Jernigan reportedly had surgery for a herniated disk in his back late in April. The recovery period is four-to-six months, which means that the likelihood is high that he will miss some time at the beginning of the season.
First OTA session: Jernigan did not practice at all.
• LB Jordan Hicks: Hicks ruptured his Achilles Week 7 against the Redskins last season. He said in April that his recovery from surgery is ahead of schedule.
First OTA session: Hicks worked out during individual drills. Dave Zangaro of NBC Philadelphia got a video of him:
He did not participate in team drills.
• LB Mychal Kendricks: Kendricks had surgery on his ankle, per McManus, which was "described as a clean-up that should only sideline him for a few weeks."
First OTA session: The Eagles cut him.
• ST Chris Maragos: Maragos suffered a season-ending knee injury Week 6 against the Panthers last season. The progress of his recovery is presently unknown (by me, anyway).
First OTA session: Maragos did not practice.
• We'll also note that we failed to mention a couple weeks ago that Malcolm Jenkins had surgery on his thumb this offseason. He practiced in full on Tuesday.
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