Eagles must decide CB Sidney Jones' status soon; Doug Pederson doesn't rule out activating him

This is the last week that cornerback Sidney Jones can practice with the Eagles before they must decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster or place him on injured reserve.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson did not rule out activating Jones to the roster for Week 17 and the playoffs.

"That's one of the spots we'll have to take a look at this week," Pederson said Tuesday. "See where he's at physically. I know football, he's healthy and all that, but listen, he hasn't taken a hit in a long time, too. It'll be day-to-day. I want to see where he's at at the end of the week."

Jones, the Eagles' second-round pick, tore his Achilles tendon in March. A potential first-round pick and Day 1 starter, he was drafted with the understanding that he might be out all season. The Eagles kept him on the non-football injury list all year. He began practicing on Dec. 13, starting a 21-day window to evaluate him before making a decision. The Eagles have until the middle of next week, although their last practice will be Friday.

If the Eagles activate Jones, they would need to cut someone from their 53-man roster. But the only way Jones can practice or play with the team after this week is by activating him. Otherwise, he would go on injured reserve and be ineligible to practice during the postseason.

The Eagles have five cornerbacks on their roster: Ronald Darby, Jalen Mills, Patrick Robinson, Rasul Douglas, and Jaylen Watkins. Jones could be a potential boost to the defense if activated, although he hasn't played in a game since last season's Peach Bowl with the University of Washington.