PHILADELPHIA – Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed that defensive end Derek Barnett tore the ACL in his left knee during Sunday’s win over Detroit, a season-ending injury for the veteran defensive end.
Barnett, the team’s first-round pick in 2017, never lived up to that promise but he is a well-regarded member of the DE rotation behind Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat.
The next man up for the Eagles is likely second-year player Tarron Jackson, who was a bit of a surprise inactive against the Lions. Milton Williams also has inside/out versatility and could play some at DE while SAM LBs Haason Reddick, Patrick Johnson and Kyron Johnson are essentially edge rushers in Philadelphia’s scheme. International Pathway Program prospect Matt Leo is the only DE on the practice squad.
“Tarron wasn’t up yesterday, but how quickly it can turn from you not being up for a game to you having a significant role,” Sirianni told reporters. “I know our guys understand that, about their roles and how if you’re a backup you’re one snap away, and that’s how it’s going to play out for Tarron.”
HC Nick Sirianni on DE Derek Barnett. pic.twitter.com/i3qqb1BjZC
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 12, 2022
Barnett played 12 defensive snaps in Sunday’s 38-25 season-opening win, going down in a non-contact fashion. Teammates gathered around and the injury seemed serious before Barnett ultimately collected himself and walked off under his own power. Any hope that the injury wasn’t serious went out the window Monday when an MRI confirmed the torn ACL.
“I love the way Derek Barnett comes to work every single day and plays with grittiness and toughness and nastiness,” said Sirianni. “I am a huge Derek Barnett fan and he’ll be missed.
Once Barnett is placed on injured reserve the Eagles will have two open roster spots to fill. The club did not replace Andre Dillard on the 53-man roster after he went down in practice with a fractured forearm, preferring instead to elevate receiver/punt returner Britain Covey and tight end Noah Togiai from the practice squad.
