The DE Dilemma

Going in to camp the Eagles were discussing how they were happy with the depth at Defensive End.  Well not even a week has passed and things are already changing.  Let’s take a look at the players in camp at that position.

Victor Abiamiri – 6′ 4″, 267 lbs. – Suffered a fractured wrist on Sunday and had two screws inserted in a surgical procedure on Tuesday

Chris Clemons – 6′ 2″, 240 lbs. – Left practice yesterday and went to the hospital for severe dehydration.

So that is two players down right now leaving us with:

Trent Cole – 6′ 3″, 270 lbs. – By far our best player.

Darren Howard – 6′ 3″, 260 lbs. – Still waiting for him to show why we signed him a few years ago from New Orleans.

Jerome McDougle – 6′ 2″, 264 lbs. – Has been nothing but injury prone and a disappointment since being drafted.

Juqua Parker – 6′ 2″, 250 lbs – Has been a solid performer but is more of a guy you want to rotate in.

Now while Clemons expects to be back shortly, I see a bigger concern and it is called Wear and Tear.  With two guys out at the position that means more work for the players left in camp.  With more work comes more chances for additional injuries.  Now if you are McDougle this may be a blessing since there was a chance he would not be making the team this season.

The bottom line though we now have to tread lightly at this position.  What once was a “position of strength” has now become more of a concern in a matter of a day.  Hopefully karma doesn’t continue to get to us anymore and we don’t lose any more guys.