Report: Eagles CB Avonte Maddox Suffers Torn Pec; What's Next?

Philadelphia Eagles slot cornerback Avonte Maddox could be done for the season and the options to replace him aren't ideal.

PHILADELPHIA – They are one of the few teams who have a slot cornerback coach in Ronnel Williams. The problem is that the Philadelphia Eagles are seemingly running out of slot cornerbacks.

Per a report from NBC’s John Clark, Avonte Maddox suffered a torn pec during Thursday night’s win over the Minnesota Vikings and could be gone for the season.

On his Instagram account, Maddox posted this: “Seems as though I can never catch a break. But I know for sure I never quit!”

Already without Zech McPhearson, who was supposed to be Maddox’s backup but suffered a torn Achilles on Aug. 18, in the second preseason game of summer, Maddox’s loss would be a huge blow.

Mario Goodrich stepped in when Maddox went out early in the game but appeared to have more downs than ups. Perhaps with a week to prepare to start on Monday night in Tampa against the Buccaneers, Goodrich will be more prepared.

Last year’s undrafted free agent from Clemson, Goodrich spent the season on the practice squad but made the roster this year. He certainly got his feet wet against the Vikings, playing 39 defensive snaps (67 percent) as well as 14 special teams snaps.

Avonte Maddox reportedly suffered a torn pec and could be lost for the season / © Bill Streicher, USA TODAY

Goodrich made four tackles, but missed his share, too, and there were times when there seemed to be communication issues and he was out of position. Again, maybe that can be remedied with an extra few days to prepare for Week 3.

Another option could be to move James Bradberry into the slot. He got some work there this summer, but he needs to clear concussion protocol first. He wasn’t able to do that last Thursday, allowing Josh Jobe to make his first career start.

Like Goodrich, Jobe was an undrafted free agent last year. He played 100 percent of the snaps against the Vikings, all 58 of them. There was some communication with Jobe as well, and he gave up a 62-yard touchdown to Jordan Addison, so Jobe is still a work in progress at one of the more difficult positions to play in the NFL.

Safety Justin Evans could also be an option to take some slot snaps, having done some of that for the New Orleans Saints last year.

The Eagles are typically against filling one hole when it opens due to injury by opening up another by moving someone into it, so maybe the best option is to sign Josiah Scott off the practice squad of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is listed as injured, however, so may not be readily available.

None of the options seem ideal, and the free agent market isn't exactly teeming with possibilities. Chris Harris is out there. He has extensive slot experience, with 12 years on his resume, but the flip side is he is 34.

As for Maddox, he has struggled with injuries in the past. He played just nine games last year due to a litany of injuries, ultimately needing offseason toe surgery. He has one year left on a three-year extension he signed in 2021, but the Eagles also added Isaiah Rodgers in the offseason.

Rodgers is serving a season-long suspension for gambling, though his presence may make the Eagles think twice about bringing back Maddox. The Eagles could save $7.5 million against the salary cap if they designate him a post-June 1, 2024, cut.