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The Philadelphia Eagles are getting ready to play against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil on Friday night. This will be the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in South America. But, one of their key players, Devin White, won’t be playing because he hurt his ankle.
This is a big deal.
Jeff McLane from the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that White won’t be traveling with the team to São Paulo due to his injury. The fact that he’s missing this important game could have some interesting consequences for both him and the team.
There were whispers that the Eagles might trade Devin White before the roster cutdown deadline. Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun performed really well during training camp, which only adds to White’s dilemma. Missing this game won’t help his standing on the team.
There were murmurs that the Eagles could trade Devin White before the cutdown—Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean both were really good in camp. So, fair or not, White missing the opener won’t help his case for a big role in the defense. https://t.co/6Sm5wIIETw
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 4, 2024
Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated mentioned how White’s absence could reignite trade talks. Even though he made it past the August 27th cutdown deadline, being sidelined now puts him back in a precarious position.
Devin White not traveling with the Eagles to Brazil may rekindle trade rumors.
Breer also pointed out that missing this game won’t help White secure a significant role in Philly’s defense. Dean and Baun shining during training camp only make things tougher for him.
White signed with the Eagles in March on a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million after five seasons with the Buccaneers. But now, his place on the team seems uncertain.
Last year wasn’t great for White; he struggled especially against the run. He had 83 tackles, six pass deflections, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions but ended with a low Pro Football Focus grade of 46.1. His time with Tampa Bay ended poorly when he was benched as a healthy scratch in Week 15.
Despite joining a new team, things aren’t looking up for him yet. Missing out on playing against the Packers means one less opportunity to impress his new bosses like Howie Roseman.
It may seem harsh to judge White’s future based on his current fitness level, but that’s just how it goes sometimes in professional sports.
Whether or not it’s impartial to base White’s future with the Eagles on his fitness, it’s a conceivable reality. Unfortunately, it’s part of the business.
