By Mark Gallagher
Running back Jordan Howard is out for tomorrow’s Eagles game in Miami, and cornerback Cre’Von LeBlanc (above) has been activated for the first time this season.
LeBlanc suffered a foot injury on the first day of training camp in July. Since the Week 7 game in Dallas, Ronald Darby, Avonte Maddox, Jalen Mills, and now LeBlanc have come off injuries to re-join the secondary.
LeBlanc was claimed off waivers by the Eagles from Detroit in Week 10 of last season. In eight regular-season games (four starts), LeBlanc totaled 32 tackles, one for loss, and five pass breakups in 351 snaps. In the playoffs, LeBlanc added 11 tackles and an interception of quarterback Drew Brees in the NFC Divisional Round matchup on the Saints’ first play from scrimmage. He was rewarded for his stellar play down the stretch with a one-year contract extension in September through 2020.
Howard suffered a shoulder injury late in the Week 9 win over Chicago. Miles Sanders will start at running back and Jay Ajayi and Boston Scott will provide depth in the backfield.
Howard has been limited in practice since the injury, but has not yet been cleared for contact. He was initially ruled as questionable for the Miami game on Friday’s Game Status Report.
Howard leads the Eagles with 525 rushing yards (4.4 per carry) and seven total touchdowns. Sanders is second in the NFL among all rookies with 1,088 all-purpose yards. He’s also second in the NFL among all running backs averaging 6.1 yards per touch this season.
