Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for reinforcements following their mini-bye weekend. On Wednesday, the team announced the opening of a 21-day practice window for wide receiver and punt returner Britain Covey. Covey has been sidelined since sustaining a shoulder injury during the team's victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.

Covey's performance in 2023 was notable as he led the NFL with 417 punt return yards and was the only player to achieve multiple punt returns exceeding 50 yards. Since 2022, he ranks second in the league for punt return yards, amassing a total of 734.

In Covey's absence, rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean has managed punt return duties, achieving an average of 11.8 yards per return. Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay expressed his satisfaction with DeJean's performance, stating on Tuesday, "I can't say enough good things about Cooper and what he's done, not only as a defensive player but going back out there."

Clay acknowledged initial challenges faced during a game against Tampa Bay but credited DeJean's improvement post-bye week. He added that having both Covey and DeJean provides strategic flexibility: "It's always nice to have two options... we feel confident when Covey does get to come back or if it takes a little bit longer that we have Cooper back there."

Additionally, the Eagles re-signed defensive tackle Siaki Ika to their practice squad while releasing wide receiver Kyle Philips to make space. Ika initially joined the practice squad on October 23 but was released six days later.

Ika was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round in 2023 and participated in four regular-season games and one playoff game last season. The LSU alumnus contributed to their National Championship win in 2019 before completing his college career at Baylor.