The Philadelphia Eagles activated left tackle Jordan Mailata from injured reserve on Wednesday, clearing the way for his return Thursday night against the Washington Commanders.
The team opened Mailata’s 21-day practice window Monday. He has not played since Week 6 due to a hamstring injury.
“I’m feeling good. Just trusting in the daily targets that I’m setting every day just to try and prepare for this game,” Mailata said Tuesday. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the field, it feels like it has been. I’m pretty excited.”
Mailata, 27, started the first five games this season and 62 of his 67 career contests since Philadelphia selected the former Australian rugby player in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Fred Johnson has been starting at left tackle in Mailata’s absence.
“Fred did an amazing job, I don’t need to say anything. Fred is awesome, I love him to death. He stepped up and that’s a credit to Fred and credit to Stout (position coach Jeff Stoutland) for preparing him that way,” Mailata said. “Well done to him. I was texting him money bags (emojis) before the game, I was texting him money bags after the game. I was like, ‘You’re loading the bank right now.’ I’m excited for Fred.”
The Eagles (7-2) have won five consecutive games heading into Thursday’s NFC East showdown against the visiting Commanders (7-3), with first place in the division at stake.
