Philadelphia Eagles Reinstate Defensive Back Isaiah Rodgers
The Philadelphia Eagles have reinstated defensive back Isaiah Rodgers after he served a season-long suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. Rodgers, who joined the Eagles in August 2022, has not played since December 2022. The 26-year-old cornerback is expected to compete for a starting job in the upcoming season.
Rodgers was one of three players to receive indefinite suspensions on June 29 for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. The other two were Rodgers’ former Indianapolis Colts teammate linebacker Rashod Berry and free agent defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor. The Colts waived Rodgers later that day. Berry and Taylor were among five players who were reinstated from their gambling-related suspensions on April 18.
Rodgers has shown versatility as both a defender and kick returner over his first three seasons. In 45 career regular-season games, Rodgers has posted 10 passes defended, four fumble recoveries (all in 2022), and three interceptions (all in 2021). The UMass product has added 61 kick returns at 27.0 yards per return, including one touchdown.
The Eagles current depth chart has 30-year-old one-time Pro Bowler James Bradberry at left cornerback and 33-year-old six-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay at right cornerback. Rodgers is slated third on the depth chart behind both Slay and 28-year-old Avonte Maddox but could certainly move up in the coming months.
Rodgers’ reinstatement is a boost to the Eagles’ secondary, which is one of the strongest in the NFL. The Eagles are looking to make a deep playoff run in 2023, and Rodgers could play a key role in their success.
