According to a report from PhillyVoice’s Jimmy Kempski, the Philadelphia Eagles will place Sydney Brown, a projected third-round choice in 2023, on the active/physically unable to perform list (PUP) before the team’s first training camp practice this Wednesday, July 24.
Brown sustained an ACL tear during the Eagles’ Week 18 loss to the New York Giants, and he is still rehabilitating from the injury.
Brown’s placement on the active/PUP list means that he won’t be able to take part in practice until he is formally activated. In the meanwhile, he will continue to count against the 90-player roster cap.
Players may be activated at any time during camp according to the active/PUP list regulations. But they’ll be added to the reserve/PUP list if they’re not activated by the deadline for the 53-player roster reduction.
Additionally, a player is obligated to miss the first four games of the season upon being placed on the reserve/PUP list. Until they are formally activated, they will not be included in the 53-player roster limit calculation.
There’s a chance that Brown will be activated before the reserve/PUP list is created. Brown stated to NBC10 in April that he “will be ready for when the season comes around.” The Eagles’ OTA and minicamp workouts saw the second-year safety running on a side field.
However, by placing Brown on the active/PUP list, the Eagles have additional options if, come season’s opening, it turns out that he isn’t prepared to play.
The Eagles’ current roster composition would seem to indicate that they have high hopes for Brown’s return. Tristin McCollum, Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Andre’ Sam are the only other full-time safeties on the team. Blankenship and CJGJ are the two surefires to make the squad out of that group. During spring workouts, Avonte Maddox was employed by the Eagles at safety in addition to his typical nickel duty. Mekhi Garner, a defensive back, has some backfield experience as well.
By the time the regular season rolls around, the Eagles could really use a healthy Brown. They’ll be hoping he doesn’t have to miss too much of training camp since those practice reps might be crucial to helping him progress.