PHILADELPHIA — Eagles linebacker Shaun Bradley will miss the remainder of the season after tearing an Achilles in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, a source told ESPN.
Bradley confirmed his season was over in an Instagram post Sunday.
“Not how I wanted the season to end for me,” he wrote. “But I believe that god truly does give his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.”
The injury occurred during the third quarter of a 20-19 Eagles loss, as Bradley went to the ground while on punt coverage. Teammates surrounded Bradley to wish him well before he was carted inside.
Bradley, 26, has been a core special teams player for Philadelphia, playing 69% of the special teams snaps in 2022. He started one game over three seasons at linebacker and has 45 career tackles.
There is uncertainty surrounding the Eagles’ linebacker position after two starters from last season, T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White, departed in free agency. Nakobe Dean is expected to claim one of those jobs, while Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss have been sharing snaps with the first team.
Searching for veteran depth, the Eagles signed Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham to one-year deals last week.
Bradley, a Temple alum, was selected in the sixth round by the Eagles in the 2020 draft. He is scheduled to be a free agent after the season.
The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a major blow during their preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Linebacker Shaun Bradley tore his Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season, according to a source from ESPN. Bradley himself confirmed the news on Instagram, expressing his disappointment but also his belief in overcoming challenges.
The injury occurred in the third quarter of the game when Bradley went down while on punt coverage. His teammates gathered around him to offer their support before he was taken off the field on a cart. Bradley, known for his contributions on special teams, played 69% of the special teams snaps in 2022. He also started one game as a linebacker and has accumulated 45 tackles throughout his career.
This unfortunate event leaves the Eagles with uncertainty at the linebacker position. Two starters from last season, T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White, left the team in free agency. As a result, Nakobe Dean is expected to step up and secure one of the starting roles. Meanwhile, Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss have been sharing snaps with the first team, competing for the remaining spot.
To address the need for veteran depth, the Eagles recently signed Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham to one-year deals. These experienced linebackers will provide valuable support and add stability to the team’s defense.
Shaun Bradley, an alumnus of Temple University, was drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, his season-ending injury comes at a crucial time as he was set to become a free agent after this season. However, Bradley’s determination and resilience will undoubtedly fuel his recovery process and future endeavors in the NFL.
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in professional sports, and they can significantly impact a team’s performance and dynamics. The Eagles will now have to adapt and make necessary adjustments to compensate for Bradley’s absence. The coaching staff will likely explore different strategies and player combinations to fill the void left by Bradley’s injury.
Despite this setback, the Eagles remain focused on their goals for the upcoming season. With a mix of young talent and experienced veterans, the team is determined to overcome obstacles and compete at a high level. The signing of Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham demonstrates the organization’s commitment to strengthening their roster and maximizing their chances of success.
As the regular season approaches, the Eagles will continue to evaluate their options and make any necessary roster moves to ensure they have a competitive and well-rounded team. The loss of Shaun Bradley is undoubtedly a blow, but the team’s depth and resilience will be tested as they strive to overcome adversity.
In conclusion, Shaun Bradley’s season-ending injury is a significant setback for the Philadelphia Eagles. The linebacker’s torn Achilles tendon will require him to miss the rest of the season. However, the team remains determined to overcome this challenge and find suitable replacements at the linebacker position. With the recent signings of Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham, the Eagles are actively addressing their need for veteran depth. While Bradley’s absence will be felt, the team is focused on moving forward and achieving their goals for the upcoming season.