Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was set to have a huge season in 2013. He was ready to play alongside DeSean Jackson in Chip Kelly's fast-paced offense, but he suffered a torn ACL in training camp and missed all of last year. How will he fare in 2014?
Maclin was selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft and had four solid seasons with the Eagles before last year's injury. From 2009-2012 Maclin amassed 258 receptions for 3,453 yards and 26 touchdowns, but that was all with the help of DeSean Jackson as the other threat on the field. Jackson is now in Washington and Maclin has Riley Cooper, Arrelious Benn and Jeff Maehl behind him. The No. 1 wide receiver job is his for the taking.
But Maclin has never been in such a position and it's likely overwhelming for him coming off of major knee surgery. He's already had an up-and-down training camp because of a hamstring injury that sidelined him last week, leaving him limited in practice - not great news for someone who is expected to take over as the main receiving option in an offense he has yet to participate in at game-speed. DeSean Jackson had his best year in 2013 under Kelly's offense after missing the last six weeks of the 2012 season, but that was because of a rib injury - not reconstructive knee surgery.
The former Missouri Tiger says he feels good though and has been pleased with his training camp performance aside from being limited by his hamstring. Maclin played in the Eagles' first preseason game against the Chicago Bears and caught a 15-yard pass from Nick Foles late in the first quarter and then his night ended. He didn't play in the second preseason game against the Patriots because of the hamstring, but he hopes he will return to play against the Steelers this weekend.
"My knees feel really, really good. Last Tuesday in New England was the best I have felt," Maclin said in this NJ.com article. "I have always felt good, but I think I am over that part now where there are no worries. I am just happy and blessed that I am able to play football."
However, if Maclin doesn't succeed early, the Eagles may have another option. The team previously explored a trade for Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson. Earlier in the offseason Johnson requested a trade, but was never granted one even though the Eagles, Bengals, Packers and Colts reportedly showed interest. However, talks regarding a Johnson trade have simmered and there have been no updates, but anything is possible as the season gets closer to opening on September 4. And if the Eagles need a wide receiver and the Texans fall behind quickly in the AFC South, the teams may open discussions.
You can read more about Jeremy Maclin in this NJ.com article.
