Anthony DiBona
The Eagles got a much needed win Sunday against the New York Jets but they’re still being bitten by the injury bug. Kiko Alonso’s knee is still an issue and could be a long-term concern depending on what Dr. James Andrews says in his meeting with the linebacker later today. Considering it’s a grade two sprain, which is essentially a minor tear, Alonso could either sit out or have surgery.
Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported earlier today that Alonso is indeed in Florida today to meet with Dr. Andrews about his injury:
Eagles LB Kiko Alonso in Florida today to get 2nd opinion on knee from Dr. James Andrews; diagnosis will help determine if surgery needed.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 28, 2015
That’s not all for the Eagles on the injury side of things though. While Mychal Kendricks, DeMarco Murray, Cedric Thornton, Josh Huff and Taylor Hart should all be back within a week or two, the same can’t be said for kicker Cody Parkey. After initially suffering a groin injury during the preseason, Parkey has never looked the same. Just last season Parkey was a Pro Bowl kicker that shocked the NFL. But this year, that’s not the case at all.
It seems like the Eagles may consider sitting Parkey out for a while to let him heal fully. Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reported that the Birds will be bringing in a few free agent kickers today:
Source tells @NFLonFOX that @Eagles bringing in kickers for workouts today with Cody Parkey aggravating preseason groin injury v @nyjets
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) September 28, 2015
Former San Diego Chargers kicker Nick Novak would seem like the obvious choice if the Eagles were going to sign any free agent kicker on the market. Although he’s 34-years old, age doesn’t really matter much for kickers and Novak brings a ton of experience to the table. In his last three seasons with the Chargers, Novak made 88.8% of his field goals, including 7 of 10 from 50+ yards. Another name to watch would be Caleb Sturgis, who was cut by the Miami Dolphins but he has struggled in the past.
All in all, today may be a pivotal day for two important players on the Eagles’ roster. Who knows? Maybe Alonso elects to not have surgery and returns in a few weeks…or he has surgery and shuts himself down for the rest of the season to play it safe. Parkey may be placed on IR – Designated to Return, but that may be a waste of resources for the Eagles. Would they really cut Parkey and move on to a kicker such as Novak? We may very well know the answer to that question by tonight.
That’s all for today’s Eagles injury report, be sure to check back here at PhillyInfluencer.com for anything and everything involving the City of Brotherly Love and your beloved Birds!