The Eagles face a quick turnaround ahead of Week 11, but they could have their starting left tackle back in time for that contest. Jordan Mailata has been designated for return from injured reserve, the team announced on Monday.
A hamstring injury made it clear a multi-week absence would be in store, and Mailata was indeed moved to IR in October. Fortunately for he and the team, the seventh-year blocker has had his practice window opened after missing the minimum four games. Mailata will need to be activated within the next 21 days.
The 27-year-old Australian has started each of his appearances since 2021, serving as a key member of Philadelphia’s offensive line. Mailata’s 88.4 PFF grade so far this season is the highest of his career, and his return will be welcomed on the Eagles’ offense. The former seventh-rounder signed a three-year, $66M extension this offseason, a deal which came in the wake of only one missed game across the past two years.
Remaining healthy moving forward will be key Mailata as he returns to practice. Teams generally perform light workouts on short weeks, and that will be the case for the Eagles as they prepare to face the Commanders on Thursday night. That contest will be crucial in determining this year’s NFC East winner, so returning to full strength on the blindside would be a welcome boost for Philadelphia.
Fred Johnson has handled starting duties in Mailata’s absence. While the Eagles have managed to win five straight games coming off their bye week, Johnson has been charged with five sacks in the past three games and seven overall by PFF. Philadelphia’s pass protection has plenty of room for improvement moving forward, and getting Mailata back in the fold soon should help. Bringing him back into the picture will leave the team with five IR activations.
