Will former Washington Football cornerback Sidney Jones play this year?
By Bret Stuter
![INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 06: Defensive back Sidney Jones of Washington participates in a drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 06: Defensive back Sidney Jones of Washington participates in a drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fc3de3fb19bdf51ada083414bd32b204f9d5bdca35c04e7c130f7b3761923671.jpg)
Still monitoring practice
So far, Sidney Jones is still observing and not yet participating. And it’s a safe bet that he will need to get pads on, and full practices under his belt before coaches will acquiesce to his desire to play.
But the team has options. Should the team desire to do so, Jones could begin the season on injured reserve. That allows the team to carry Jones while filling a 53 man roster as well. Should the team designate Jones as eligible to return (only one player per team can get that designation), Jones could return to the team’s active roster after a minimum of six weeks.
Jones worth the wait
Is Jones worth the fuss? You bet. While the Philadelphia Eagles secondary will improve, it bumps up to first class with Jones on the field. His coverage is formidable, and unexpected. The delay from the quarterback gives the team’s pressure enough time to shake rattle and roll the passer. You can expect the team to record some coverage sacks when Jones plays.
Next: 2017 Washington Football opener Huskies at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The Philadelphia Eagles will not threaten for post season play without a playmaker on both offense and defense. The team believes that they have a bona fide playmaker on offense in Alshon Jeffery. With Jones, the team gets a similar playmaker on D. Yes, it’s a difficult wait. Yes, the team needs Sidney Jones now. But he will arrive, and that will trigger an entirely new set of dynamics for this team. Will Sidney Jones IV play this year? I believe he will. And just as he did in Washington, the defense will change instantly as a result.