Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson will have surgery Tuesday to repair a core muscle injury, and he will miss an extended period of time, the team confirmed Monday afternoon.
Jackson attempted to return from the abdominal injury that had sidelined him since Week 2 during Sunday’s Week 9 win over the Chicago Bears but only logged four snaps before re-injuring himself.
With that news rocking the Eagles, here are four takeaways:
1. Jackson’s prognosis is all over the place
There are differing timetables that have been reported on a potential return to the Eagles with most outlets calling four-to-six weeks of recovery. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported “it appears unlikely” that Jackson would play again in 2019.
A six-week recovery would mean Jackson could return for the final two games of the season or Week 15. An eight-week recovery would take Jackson up until the season finale or start of the playoffs.
2. Options to replace him are slim on the roster
Alshon Jeffery is still the top dog, but whether it be injury or attrition, the Eagles star is struggling to find separation. Nelson Agholor has caught only 3 of 17 targets on passes thrown over 20 yards this season, while reserve receivers Mack Hollins and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside are among the most ineffective receivers in the NFL based on snaps, targets and routes run.
3. Eagles must target top-flight WR in 2020 NFL Draft
The conversation for the 2020 NFL Draft originally centered around the Eagles addressing the cornerback position. With Alshon Jeffery getting a year older and JJ Arcega-Whiteside struggling to find his footing, could the Eagles target a wide receiver high in the first round? Star players like Laviska Shenault Jr. (Colorado), Jalen Reagor (TCU), Tee Higgins (Clemson) and Bryan Edwards (South Carolina) could all be options.
4. Jackson should have had the surgery in September
On Friday, Jackson declined to answer whether surgery was initially recommended at the time of him first suffering the injury. After the loss in Atlanta, Jackson reportedly met with the Eagles and multiple independent specialists to determine the best course of action,” at the time. At that point, the decision was made to proceed with rehabilitation and no surgery. Looking back, had he had the surgery, Jackson would be returning against the Patriots if not earlier. On Monday during a released statement, the Eagles confirmed that all parties were comfortable with Jackson returning to practice.”
