Rodney McLeod has made his way off of the injured reserve list. The 31-year-old safety will finally make his season debut against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday for Week 4.
McLeod suffered a torn ACL last December against the New Orleans Saints. Before that, he played 13 games, scoring his second career touchdown on a 53-yard fumble recovery. He was also selected as the Eagles’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
On Friday, McLeod addressed the media, stating, “I feel ready to go. Trusting the plan that was put in place by doctors, trainers, and really have just been getting myself back in football shape over this past month. I’m at a point where I feel good. I look good in practice, and I’m ready to go out there and compete and help this football team.”
In McLeod’s place this season, the Eagles have played K’Von Wallace and Marcus Epps. Philadelphia’s starting safety has been Anthony Harris. Last week, Wallace was placed on the injured reserve list after partially separating his shoulder.
RETURNING JUST IN TIME
With 14 games left, the Eagles are preparing for a rough month ahead, beginning with the Chiefs, and McLeod is ready.
He stated, “This is a great test for what they [Chiefs] do. They stretch the field. They’re a very skilled group. They’re labeled as one of the best, so it’s a challenge for us defensively, particularly in the secondary. We’re going to have to cover well, and we’re going to have to show up and make plays. The teams that have made plays against them have put themselves in chances to win. For us, it’s just doing our job each and every play. We’re up for the challenge.”
Without McLeod, the Eagles defense has held firm. Pro Football Focus has ranked them No. 11 going into Week 4, and with any luck, Philadelphia will rank higher now that their safety has returned. As for the Chiefs — No. 32 — dead last.
The game begins Sunday at 1 PM at Lincoln Financial Field.
