Marlin Jackson Ruptures Achilles
Eagles defensive back Marlin Jackson was diagnosed with a ruptured Achilles tendon in his right leg following an MRI exam, the team said. No prognosis was offered, but it seems likely that Jackson will not play this season.
Jackson fell, covering a deep pass over the middle from Kevin Kolb to Jeremy Maclin, during Tuesday's first day of full-team activity, which is scheduled to last two weeks. Jackson sat on the field, visibly upset, then limped off, assisted by head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder.
Jackson, coming off back-to-back ACL surgeries, seemed to be yelling in frustration as he awaited the cart that drove him from the practice bubble to the main NovaCare facility. Jackson kept his head in his hands during the cart ride.
The ACL Jackson has been rehabbing since last season is his left. Jackson tore his right ACL in 2008. Thunderstorms drove practice into the indoor facility, which has a less-forgiving surface than the outdoor fields.
A source close to the situation said the Eagles do not intend to pursue Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, who became an unrestricted free agent today. Second-round rookie Nate Allen stepped in for Jackson after the injury occurred, late in practice. Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said afterward he feels he has good depth at the position, which was a major problem for the Eagles last season, in the wake of Brian Dawkins' departure. McDermott has Allen and a seemingly-determined-to-redeem-himself Quintin Demps, and he can always move Macho Harris back to safety from corner.
The injury and Jackson's obvious frustration affected teammates, who stood and watched, conversations halted.
"It was a moment of silence," Harris said. "A situation like that, all you can do is just pray, ask God to step in his life for understanding and guidance, but man, I definitely feel his pain."
.Harris was asked how he'd feel if this meant moving back to safety, after spending the spring learning to play corner.
"Wherever the coaches may need me to help the team," he said.
Allen said he feels he is learning the defense quickly and certainly hopes to contribute as a rookie, though not at Jackson's expense.
Demps said: "I hate to see that happen like that. I've got to really encourage Marlin and pray for him."
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Todd Herremans sat out today with a sore left foot, the Eagles said. That would be the foot he had operated on before last season, which caused Herremans to miss the first five games. Svelte Max Jean-Gilles took over at left guard, with Nick Cole at center.
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On the brighter side, even though this two-week whole-team camp is optional, and most years, you'll have a vet or two who will opt not to come, this year Andy Reid's reconfigured roster achieved perfect attendance.