Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox is anticipated to return for Sunday’s NFC Championship matchup in opposition to the 49ers after lacking the final three video games due to a toe damage. Here’s what it is advisable to know:
- Maddox was a full participant in apply Friday and has no damage standing for Sunday’s recreation in Philadelphia. He participated in apply on daily basis this week.
- Lane Johnson, who returned final Saturday after lacking a number of weeks because of a groin damage, was additionally a full participant Friday and can play Sunday, as anticipated.
- The Eagles have all 22 starters wholesome for the sport in opposition to the 49ers.
The Athletic’s instantaneous evaluation:
Why Maddox’s return is massive for Philadelphia
When Maddox has been on the sector this season, he’s been one of many NFL’s high slot cornerbacks and completes a cornerback group that features James Bradberry and Darius Slay. Maddox has been restricted to 9 video games, however he has an interception, a sack and three compelled fumbles whereas serving as a key participant in protection.
The Eagles now have all 22 starters wholesome sufficient to play within the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles used security C.J. Gardner-Johnson within the slot in the course of the previous two video games with Reed Blankenship at security. With Maddox again, defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has flexibility along with his group. He may return to the crew’s common lineup, which incorporates Maddox within the slot and Gardner-Johnson deep at security. He may additionally hold Gardner-Johnson within the slot if he likes a given matchup sooner or later within the recreation and use Maddox at security, the place Maddox performed at instances final month earlier than the damage.
Bottom line: The Eagles’ protection is best with Maddox on the sector, which is why Friday’s information is a big increase for the NFC’s high seed. — Berman
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(Photo: Bill Streicher / USA Today)
