The first day of padded practice has already taken a toll on the NFC East. Early Monday morning, not even an hour apart from each other, news broke that both the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles took hits on the defensive line today.
It was first reported that newly acquired defensive tackle, Gerald McCoy, suffered a ruptured quad tendon at practice this morning. During one on ones McCoy fell back on his leg, causing him to not be able to walk on his own.
This injury will end McCoy’s season just minutes into his first padded practice, and is a major blow to the Cowboys defensive line. Dallas made plenty of moves this off season bringing in talent all across the defensive line. Gerald McCoy signed a 3 year worth $20.25 million as one of the headlining moves for Dallas.
Philadelphia also released that they will be missing key pieces on the defensive line as well. Derek Barnett and Javon Hargrave will both miss significant time. Javon Hargrave is listed “multiple weeks” with a pectoral strain, and Barnett is also listed as “week-to-week” with a lower body injury.
While specifics of the injuries have yet to come to light, the “multiple weeks” label is more serious than “week-to-week”. Philadelphia has one of the deepest defensive lines in the NFL, but like McCoy, Hargraves got a major payday this offseason.
The Eagles signed the former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle for 3 years/$39 million this offseason. This makes for the second year in a row that the Eagles have spent big money on a defensive tackle, and have them face a serious injury.
Derek Barnett has suffered injuries that required him to miss playing time in every season he has had in Philly. It is likely this is the reason Vinny Curry was brought back to the team after being released from Tampa Bay.
With such an awkward schedule, especially for the veteran players, it is no surprise to see injuries like this occur when the pads come on. Lets just hope we don’t see this trend continue going forward for the NFL.
