Young Eagles DB could have bigger role following defensive injury

A recent Eagles defensive injury could be a blessing in disguise.

On Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Eagles safety James Bradberry "suffered a lower leg injury" at Wednesday's practice, and the veteran defensive back is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

Bradberry was a surprise on the 53-man roster revealed Tuesday. The eight-year pro struggled at cornerback last season, showing an apparent regression from his 2022 All-Pro peak .

He had one interception and allowed nine touchdowns when targeted, with quarterbacks posting a sterling 108.6 passer rating. ( h/t Pro Football Focus )

Despite his struggles, the Eagles had a clear role for Bradberry this season under first-year defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

General manager Howie Roseman praised Bradberry's football instincts when explaining the rationale behind keeping him on the 53-man roster. He added, "With the goals that we have for this football team, having a veteran player like that on the roster that we know we can rely on when called upon, we felt like that was important."

The Eagles could add one of the two safeties on their practice squad, Andre' Sam or Caden Sterns, to the active roster to add depth at the position.

But it's second-year pro Kelee Ringo and rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean who have the most to gain during Bradberry's absence.

While cornerbacks in Fangio's scheme, their ability to win one-on-one matchups in coverage and help in run defense could make Bradberry an afterthought.

DeJean's role could evolve the most. Following April's NFL Draft, the former Iowa corner said , "I'm a football player. You put me on the field and I'm going to play football, whether it's inside, outside, at safety, wherever it is."

He began minicamp at nickelback in three-cornerback sets, but ESPN's Tim McManus wrote in May that "there's a sentiment in the Eagles building that he can 'do it all.'"

DeJean (hamstring) missed the first three weeks of Philadelphia's training camp but played in the preseason finale against the Vikings.

Per PFF data , he played most of his snaps as the slot defender (45) and only two in the box. DeJean could see more action at safety early in the regular season out of necessity.

Considering Bradberry's struggles a season ago, that might not be bad.