Jordan

Mailata

Mailata missed four games while dealing with a severe hamstring strain. The 27-year-old tackle was activated off injured reserve Wednesday, and he’ll make his return to action against the Washington front seven.

Mailata went on injured reserve a month ago after suffering a severe hamstring injury. He was a full participant in practice today and did not get a questionable tag after being removed from injured reserve. The Eagles are getting healthy at the right time as they gear up for a crucial matchup with the Commanders that could decide the fate of the NFC East.

The decision to open Mailata’s 21-day return window on a short week is an interesting one, but perhaps it’s a sign the Eagles believe Mailata could be ready for Thursday night’s game against the Commanders. The Eagles placed Mailata on injured reserve on October 18th after he suffered a hamstring injury in the team’s Week 6 win over the Browns. Mailata was playing at a high level before going down, boasting a 90.9 PFF pass-blocking grade while allowing just one sack on eight pressures.

It was reported earlier this that Mailata was likely to miss a couple of games because of the hamstring issue. He will now miss at least four contests while on injured reserve. Pro Football Focus has Mailata graded as a top-five tackle this season. He is credited with one sack allowed. Swing tackle Fred Johnson, who has already played some right tackle for Philly this year, could take his spot in the lineup. Former left tackle and current right guard Mekhi Becton is also an option.

Mailata was replaced by Fred Johnson, though it’s possible the Eagles will put Mekhi Becton outside and introduce a backup guard to the equation going forward. Mailata is one of the better left tackles in the league. It’s a big loss ahead of Philadelphia’s Week 7 date with the Giants.

Jalen Hurts’ blindside protector couldn’t put any weight on his leg before getting carted to the locker room. He joins Darius Slay and Dallas Goedert in suffering game-ending injuries for the Eagles on Sunday. Yikes.

Mailata, a former seventh round pick, is no under contract with the Eagles through 2028. His extension includes $48 million in guaranteed money. Mailata started all 17 games for the Eagles last season and earned a PFF pass blocking grade of 84.1 while allowing just three sacks on 45 pressures. Interestingly, he has never earned a Pro Bowl recognition or an All-Pro nomination, despite being regarded as one of the top tackles in the league.

One of the most dominant tackles in the game, Mailata missed last week but will return for a Week 6 clash against the Cowboys. Philadelphia’s essentially at full strength for the matchup.

Mailata suffered the shoulder injury in Week 4, departing after just seven snaps. He was unable to suit up last week. The early limited session is a good sign that he has a shot at returning to action this week. In a divisional game with the Cowboys, extra help in the trenches will be important for the Eagles.

Luckily for the Eagles, Arizona ranks dead last in sacks this year. They have gotten to the opposing quarterback just four times. Swing tackle Jack Driscoll appears to be in line to start this week. He took over for Mailata after the latter went down with the shoulder issue in Week 4.