Philadelphia Eagles Open 21-Day Practice Window for Avonte Maddox

The Philadelphia Eagles secondary has been one of the worst in football this year, but they are about to get some major reinforcements back.

It hasn't been the easiest stretch for the Philadelphia Eagles defense, but the cavalry seems to be on its way. 

The Philadelphia Eagles opened up the 21-day practice window for slot cornerback Avonte Maddox Thursday afternoon. Maddox has been on injured reserve since suffering a pectoral injury in Week Two of the regular season and is eligible to return at any point in this window. 

The 27-year-old who has become an elite player in the slot is expected back for the playoff run.

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In Maddox's absence, the Eagles' defense has gone through a series of changes that has left them among the worst in football over the last month. Injuries to linebackers like Zach Cunningham, and a change in play-caller have left the organization struggling to find answers. The defense is currently 31st in passing touchdowns allowed and 28th in yards allowed. 

After starting 10-1, the Eagles are the first team since the 1986 Jets to lose the following three contests. 

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Welcoming back a player like Maddox into the fold would do wonders for Philadelphia's struggling secondary. Due to personnel changes made in recent weeks, the team has relied on undrafted rookies like Eli Ricks in the slot and has struggled to contain players like Deebo Samuel, CeeDee Lamb, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Those issues could be solved though if the slot corner that has historically ranked in the top-five for his position returns to the field for the Eagles. 

With All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay also expected back for the start of the postseason after going through arthroscopic knee surgery last week, the defense could be at full strength when they need to the most.