The Philadelphia Eagles have been activated starting left tackle Jordan Mailata off injured reserve before Thursday night’s game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Eagles haven’t had a full practice yet due to the short week ahead Sunday’s dominant win over the Dallas Cowboysbut Mailata is listed as a full participant in the team’s walkthroughs.
Mailata was on injury reserve for the team’s last four games due to a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 6’s win over the Cleveland Browns.
Backup tackle Fred Johnson has filled in at left tackle with Mailata sidelined, but the Eagles offense has kept rolling. The Birds are on a five-game winning streak, winning every game Mailata missed as the team sits in first place in the league. NFC East with a 7-2 record.
Mailata told CBS Sports that Johnson took a big step while he was injured and protecting quarterback Jalen Hurts’ blind side.
“I don’t have to say anything. Fred is amazing. I love him, love him to death,” Mailata said. “He stepped up and that’s an honor for Fred and an honor for Stout [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] because you prepared him so.
“I texted him money bags before the game and texted him money bags after the game. I told him you’re filling the bank now. I’m excited for Fred for next year.”
Mailata, 27, is in his fifth season with the Eagles after the team took a chance on him in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft.
Mailata is rated as Pro Football Focus’ third-highest rated offensive tackle this season, trailing only Terron Armstead of the Miami Dolphins and Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions. According to PFF, Mailata is also the second-best pass protector and fourth-best run-blocking tackle.
Mailata has allowed just one sack in five games this season per PFF.
In other Eagles injury news, linebacker Nakobe Dean, tight end Dallas Goedert, defensive end Bryce Huff and cornerback Darius Slay were all listed as full participants in Wednesday’s walkthrough, while wide receiver DeVonta Smith was listed as limited with a hamstring injury.
