Maddox ready to play safety in wild card game if Eagles need him

Maddox ready to play safety in wild card game if Eagles need him originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

After a couple injuries in Week 18, the Eagles are preparing veteran defensive back Avonte Maddox to play safety in their wild-card round game in Tampa on Monday.

Maddox, 27, has been taking reps safety reps at practice this week.

“It definitely could be a possibility,” Maddox said. “I’ve been ready for it. I’ve been working on it every time I come out since I’ve been out there on the field. I’m pretty comfortable at safety. I’ve played it a lot throughout my career. It’s not like it would be brand new to me.”

In Week 18, Eagles starting safety Reed Blankenship suffered a groin injury and has missed the first two days of practice this week. And rookie Sydney Brown suffered a torn ACL. The only safety left on the 53-man roster is veteran Kevin Byard.

That’s where Maddox’s versatility comes into play.

Like Maddox mentioned, this wouldn’t be new for him. Maddox is in his sixth NFL season and has shown off his versatility before. In fact, he was actually playing some safety in Week 2 when he suffered a torn pec that kept him on the shelf for most of this season.

Maddox returned a couple weeks ago and has been working to shake the rust off. Now, he might need to line up next to Byard in a playoff game on Monday night.

“He’s been back there with me,” Byard said. “But they’re also going to work some other guys in there as well at least during practice. But I think Avonte’s going to be out there with me. He’s a vet, he’s been in this league for a while. He’s played safety as well. That’s a pretty easy transition. Obviously, Reed’s a really good player. But I feel pretty confident with Avonte back there we’ll be able to defend things pretty good.”

The reason playing Maddox at safety is a somewhat attractive option is because the Eagles have more depth at slot corner than they do at safety. Their next safety up would be…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/maddox-ready-play-safety-wild-120000035.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-01-13 12:00:00

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