Getty Eagles DE Genard Avery recorded a sack in Week 9 versus the Bears and looks to be a key player moving forward.
The Philadelphia Eagles made a few roster moves prior to Monday’s kickoff, including adding some more muscle to their defensive line. Having been out since Week 7 with an elbow injury, the team activated defensive end Genard Avery from injured reserve and will throw him into a pass-rushing rotation tied for third in total sacks (34).
Avery has 6 quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks in six games this season, including a breakout Week 4 contest where his bull rush led to an interception. It was a huge coming-out party for the player the Eagles sent a 2021 fourth-round pick to Cleveland for in 2019. He has 6.5 sacks and 51 total tackles in 32 career games after being taken in the fifth round (150th overall) in 2018.
“That was sort of the breakout game we’ve been waiting for from him,” defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said during the team’s October 6 media availability. “He’s always been a skilled pass rusher. It’s just fitting him in with all the other stuff. I think he’s really done a good job of refining his technique and limiting his — sticking with what works best for him.”
Avery trained with respected footwork specialist Rischad Whitfield over the summer and showed up at Eagles training camp in phenomenal shape. The long-time trainer taught him how to better flip his hips and move quicker laterally. Those techniques were just starting to surface prior to Avery’s injury.
“He’s a beast. He’s an animal,” Whitfield said of Avery. “Oh, he’s working with me now? Wait until you see him when he gets done with me. They always leave moving way better. If somebody can get there in three steps, I’m going to find a way to get them there in one and a half steps.”
Meanwhile, the Eagles also announced the inactive list prior to kickoff at rainy Lincoln Financial Field. The Week 12 list didn’t include any surprises but leaves the team with only three running backs on the active roster in Miles Sanders, Boston Scott and Corey Clement.
#SEAvsPHI Inactives
Follow the Heavy on Eagles Facebook page for the latest breaking news, rumors and content!
Eagles Elevate Caleb Wilson, T.Y. McGill
Philadelphia made two other moves for the Seattle game, too. Former UCLA tight end Caleb Wilson, otherwise known as Mr. Irrelevant, was elevated from the practice squad, in addition to defensive tackle T.Y. McGill as a COVID-19 replacement. The Eagles took running back Corey Clement and defensive end Vinny Curry off the COVID-19 list, but wideout J.J. Arceaga-Whiteside remains out.
Wilson previously led the Bruins in receptions (60) and receiving yards (965) during his senior year while earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors. The Arizona Cardinals originally drafted him in the seventh round (254th overall) in 2019. He is the son of former Eagles defensive line coach Chris Wilson who earned a Super Bowl ring in Philly.
McGill has bounced up and down between the practice squad to active roster all year in his second tour with the Eagles. The 6-foot, 300-pounder has 4 total tackles and 0.5 sacks in four games this year and most recently played 14 defensive snaps last week versus Cleveland. He went undrafted out of North Carolina State in 2015 before signing with the Seattle Seahawks.
Jason Peters Suiting Up, Needs Toe Surgery
Perhaps forgotten in all the drama surrounding Jason Peters’ switch to right guard was the fact he was listed questionable on the team’s final injury report. Well, the 38-year-old will suit up and play in Week 12 despite suffering a dislocated toe. Peters will require surgery after the season, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Despite having a broken, dislocated toe that will require surgery after this season, Eagles’ veteran OL Jason Peters will play tonight vs. Seahawks, though he will be moving to guard to help make up for the lack of mobility, per source.
Peters will anchor a revamped right side of the offensive line next to new right tackle Matt Pryor, who is taking over for the injured Lane Johnson. Jordan Mailata will start at left tackle with Isaac Seumalo at left guard and Jason Kelce at center. This marks the offense’s tenth different offensive line combination of 2020.
READ ALSO: