Even without OTAs, debilitating injuries can still happen. Just ask the Eagles.
Pro Bowl right tackle Brandon Brooks has been lost for the upcoming season after tearing his left Achilles tendon while working out at the team’s practice complex, he confirmed on Twitter.
This is a significant loss. Brooks, who signed a four-year, $54.2 million contract extension in November, had started all 48 games over the last three years after joining the Eagles following four seasons with the Texans. The only game he missed last year was the wild-card loss to the Seahawks. The Eagles allowed seven sacks in that game.
“My heart sunk when I got the news,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson told reporters on Tuesday morning. “We are still looking at a lot of options. Starting with our own roster. We’ve got some time before training camp.”
He’s reached three straight Pro Bowls, but the 30-year-old lineman is no stranger to injuries, having torn both Achilles tendons and getting shoulder surgery this offseason.
The Eagles do have options of replacing him, like bringing back veteran Jason Peters, according to NBCSports.com. Another possibility could be former Saints Pro Bowler Larry Warford, who was recently released and is a free agent.
Brooks was allowed to be working out at the facility because he was rehabbing an injury.