Eagle Eve: Eagles Left Tackle Jordan Mailata Activated Off Injured Reserve, Set to Return Against Washington
The Philadelphia Eagles have received a major boost to their offensive line as left tackle Jordan Mailata has been activated off the injured reserve list and is cleared to return to action for tomorrow night’s game against the Washington Football Team. The 6-foot-8, 365-pound Mailata has been one of the standout players for the Eagles over the past few seasons, and his return is expected to bolster both the team’s pass protection and run-blocking efforts.
Mailata’s recovery and subsequent activation come at a critical point in the season, as the Eagles are looking to stay competitive in the NFC East race. Let’s dive into what Mailata’s return means for the team, his injury history, and the impact he’s had on the Eagles’ offensive line.
**The Significance of Mailata’s Return**
Mailata, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the season due to a shoulder injury, has been a crucial part of the Eagles’ offensive line since taking over as the starting left tackle in 2020. His massive frame and athleticism make him a key protector for quarterback Jalen Hurts, and his absence had left a noticeable void on the left side of the line.
With Mailata back in the lineup, the Eagles are regaining a cornerstone of their offensive line, and that could be a game-changer in a critical stretch of the season. Not only does Mailata provide stability to the line, but he also offers an increased level of protection for Hurts, who relies heavily on solid pass protection to make plays downfield. Additionally, Mailata’s run-blocking ability helps open up lanes for the Eagles’ running backs, who have been pivotal in the team’s offensive scheme under head coach Nick Sirianni.
**Injury Background**
Mailata’s shoulder injury, which he sustained earlier this season, kept him sidelined for several weeks. The injury was serious enough to warrant a stint on injured reserve, a move that forced the Eagles to make adjustments along their offensive line. Mailata’s absence meant that backups and other linemen had to step up in his place, but no one could quite replicate the level of play he consistently brings to the table.
Mailata had surgery to address the issue, and the Eagles’ medical staff worked carefully with him throughout his rehabilitation process. Throughout his recovery, Mailata expressed optimism about returning to the field and continuing his growth as one of the league’s top left tackles. Now, after a successful rehab period, he has been cleared for action and is expected to suit up for the highly anticipated matchup against Washington.
**A Breakout Star: Jordan Mailata’s Rise**
Jordan Mailata’s journey to becoming one of the NFL’s premier left tackles has been nothing short of remarkable. Mailata, a former Australian rugby player, was a relative unknown when the Eagles selected him in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. His transition from rugby to American football was a steep learning curve, but Mailata’s work ethic, natural athleticism, and sheer size made him a project worth pursuing.
In his first few seasons, Mailata was a backup, learning the nuances of the position while refining his skills as a blocker. However, once he earned the starting left tackle job, he quickly became one of the league’s most intriguing young players. His combination of size, strength, and quickness allowed him to handle some of the NFL’s top pass rushers, and he has consistently graded out as one of the better tackles in the league since becoming a starter.
**Impact on the Offensive Line**
Mailata’s return immediately strengthens the Eagles’ offensive line, which has been a point of emphasis for the franchise in recent years. With Mailata back at left tackle, the Eagles can shift other players around to their natural positions, providing more stability overall. The offensive line is a unit that thrives on chemistry, and having Mailata back allows for better continuity, particularly on the blindside of Jalen Hurts.
The Eagles’ line will now have Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, and Lane Johnson as their starting five — a group that, when healthy, is considered one of the top offensive lines in the NFL. This is crucial as the Eagles have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, and protecting Hurts will be essential in maintaining that success.
**Matchup Against Washington**
As the Eagles face off against the Washington Football Team tomorrow night, Mailata’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Washington has a formidable defensive line, led by star edge rusher Chase Young and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. The Eagles will need strong, consistent play from Mailata and the rest of their offensive line to neutralize these threats and allow Hurts to operate effectively in the pocket.
Mailata will likely be tasked with handling Washington’s top pass rushers, which will be a challenging assignment. However, his physicality, combined with his improved technical skills, makes him more than capable of holding his own in one-on-one situations. His presence will also free up other blockers on the line, ensuring the Eagles’ offense has a balanced and cohesive attack.
**The Road Ahead**
With Mailata back in the fold, the Eagles are looking to build on their strong start to the season and continue pushing for a top spot in the NFC playoff race. A healthy and dominant offensive line is a key factor in the team’s success, and Mailata’s return is a critical piece of the puzzle. The Eagles’ offense has already proven to be potent, but with a fully healthy line, including Mailata, the ceiling for this group is even higher.
In conclusion, Jordan Mailata’s activation off injured reserve and return to the field against Washington is a significant development for the Eagles. His blend of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a cornerstone of the team’s offensive line, and his return will no doubt have a positive impact on both the pass and run game. As the Eagles push for playoff contention, Mailata’s presence on the field will be key to their success in the coming weeks.
Eagles fans and the team alike will be excited to see Mailata back in action, as he looks to continue his rise as one of the NFL’s elite left tackles.
