After nine weeks, Eagles activate Britain Covey from Injured Reserve – NBC Sports Philadelphia

On November 25, 2024By Littum

The Eagles on Saturday activated punt returner and wide receiver Britain Covey, nine weeks after he broke a bone in his shoulder.

The Eagles placed Covey on Injured Reserve on September 24, two days after he was injured during the Eagles’ win over the Saints in the Superdome.

They opened his practice window on Wednesday and he was a full participant in practice all week. He does not carry any injury designation.

The Eagles had an open spot on the 53-man roster after placing edge rusher Bryce Huff on Injured Reserve on Friday. Huff had surgery this week to repair a broken wrist. He is eligible to return for the rematch against the Commanders on December 22.

Covey had one of the best seasons ever by an Eagles punt returner last year, averaging 14.4 yards on 29 returns. It was 3^rd-highest in NFL and 3rd^rd-highest in Eagles history. His career average of 11.7 is 25th^th-highest in NFL history (minimum 50 rebounds) and tied for 2nd^n.d-highest in Eagles history, behind Ernie Steele – who averaged an NFL record 14.7 in the 1940s. It is also 7^th-highest ever by an undrafted player.

Covey had also started to become more active in the passing game and had a career-high six catches in the home opener vs. Falcons as he played a career-high 23 offensive snaps.

With DeVonta Smith out for the Rams game on Sunday night, we could see Covey play a significant role in the slot.

“I’ve worked really hard to build that trust with Jalen (Hurts) and really always felt like I could play that Cole Beasley-type role, you know, guys that I’ve seen my whole life, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola,” Covey said Thursday.

“So you just have to work back into it. But I’m proud to work in the square, so hopefully it will come.”

In Covey’s absence, rookie slot corner Cooper DeJean has handled punt return duties at a high level. He averages 11.8 yards on 14 returns, 6th^th-highest in the league and 3rd^rd-highest ever by an Eagles rookie, behind Steve Van Buren’s 15.3 in 1944 and Pat McHugh’s 15.6 in 1947.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has said he’d prefer DeJean to focus on defense, so there’s a good chance we’ll see Covey return punts again, perhaps as early as Sunday night against the Rams.

“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity to have two really good guys,” Covey said. “Coop is such an incredible athlete. It’s been fun (watching him).”

Covey, 27, went undrafted out of Utah in 2022 and is now one of nine undrafted players on the 53-man roster, along with Rick Lovato, Nick Gates, Fred Johnson, Huff, Reed Blankenship, Tristin McCollum, Eli Ricks and Ben VanSumeren.

The Eagles also elevated veteran tight end CJ Uzomah from the practice squad.

Uzomah, a 10-year veteran, has 192 career receptions for 1,881 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was with the Eagles in training camp, released in the finals, then rejoined the practice squad in October. He was also a game-day high Thursday night vs. Washington.