JUST NOW: Eagles Gear Up for Big Moves! Britain Covey Poised for Comeback as Practice Window Opens
The Eagles opened the practice window for punt returner and receiver Britain Covey, who has missed the last seven games with a broken scapula bone in his shoulder.
The move allows Covey to practice for up to three weeks before the Eagles have to decide whether to shut him down for the year or activate him to the 53-man roster. He’s been on IR since Sept. 24.
Covey averaged 14.4 yards on 29 punt returns last year, the 3rd-highest average in Eagles history (behind Brian Wetbrook’s 15.3 in 2003 and DeSean Jackson’s 15.2 in 2009) and the 3rd-highest in the NFL last year (behind Marvin Mims’ 16.4 and Derius Davis’s 16.0).
Covey, a 3rd-year undrafted free agent out of Utah, had one punt return for nine yards and three fair catches before he got hurt in the Week 3 game against the Saints at the Superdome.
He was also starting to work into the rotation as a slot receiver and had seven catches in his first three games after catching just four passes in his first two seasons.
In Covey’s absence, rookie Cooper DeJean has been handling punt returns, and is averaging 11.8 yards on 14 returns, 6th-highest in the NFL. He’s also become a full-time slot corner since the bye week.
The Eagles will have a decision to make whether or not to continue going with DeJean or give those responsibilities back to Covey.
With DeJean logging over 50 defensive snaps per game, the Eagles might consider relieving him of punt return duties to manage his workload. However, his effectiveness as a returner makes the decision far from straightforward.
“I can’t say enough good things about Cooper and what he’s done, not just defensively but also as a punt returner,” said special teams coach Michael Clay on Tuesday. “We had a rough start in Tampa Bay—that’s on me as a coach—but after the bye, he’s been outstanding.
“It’s great to have two options. With Covey potentially returning and Cooper already performing well, we have flexibility moving forward. Whether Covey is ready soon or takes longer, we’re confident with either option back there.”
Historically, DeJean ranks ninth among Eagles punt returners with a minimum of 10 returns, averaging 11.8 yards per return. Covey, meanwhile, shares 10th place with Darren Sproles and Brian Mitchell at 11.7.
In other roster moves, the Eagles re-signed defensive tackle Siaki Ika to the practice squad while releasing receiver Kyle Phillips. Ika previously spent six days on the squad last month, and Phillips had been with the team since September 3.