The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for DeSean Jackson's return, after his release during the off-season, when they host the Washington Redskins this weekend. The motivations behind Jackson's release were murky, but coach Chip Kelly claims he cut Jackson because the receiver didn't fit the profile of his offense. Jackson set career highs in receptions (82) and yards (1,332) last year with the Eagles. Jackson also tied a career high for touchdowns with nine, and led the team in targets with 126.
Kelly said that he had "zero" off-the-field issues with Jackson. Philadelphia's alleged character concerns and Jackson's reported disagreements with Kelly were some of the speculated motivations for his release.
"Yeah, just trying to build the overall team in terms of what we're looking for offensively and how we wanted to get bigger at the wideout spot and that's what we did," Kelly said.
While Jackson has a slighter build (5-foot-10, 190lbs) than some of the bigger receivers in the NFL, he is one of the most explosive players in the league. Jackson ranked ninth last year in average yards per reception with 16.2. Philadelphia's most notable offensive acquisition this offseason, Darren Sproles, is 5' 6". Sproles leads the Eagles in both catches and receiving yards this year.
Jackson, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, says that he will be playing against the Eagles this Sunday.
"I don't think an AC joint is jeopardizing my career in the long haul," Jackson told reporters. "If it's all on me, I'm playing. I don't plan on missing this game."
Jackson also discussed his move from the Eagles to the division rival Redskins.
"That's their decision. They moved on. I moved on," Jackson said. "I'm blessed to have a second opportunity to play here in Washington. It's not about them anymore...Since day one, since I stepped in here with this organization, I was just myself. I didn't really change. They accepted me for who I was. I didn't really have to prove anything to them because they knew what type of player and person I was."
Washington has been pleased with Jackson's effort and character since being signed. Coach Jay Gruden has had no problems with the seventh-year receiver.
"When you have players with a good sense of accountability, you worry less about someone like DeSean, who has a bad reputation," Gruden said. "None of that has followed him. He's been fine with us -- on time, worked hard, prepared hard. He's a fun guy to be around ... every now and then."
