On Wednesday, Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News reported that Eagles linebacker Kiko Alonso would have his left knee scoped by Dr. James Andrews to determine the extent of the injury he suffered in Week Two against the Cowboys.
That investigation has reportedly returned good news for Alonso. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Alonso’s ACL has been “deemed intact” and that he’s expected to play again during the 2015 season. Per the report, Alonso will rehab for about a month before a return to the lineup will be on the table.
That fits with what Eagles coach Chip Kelly said Wednesday about Alonso not being a candidate for either season-ending injured reserve or the short-term version that would leave him ineligible to play for at least eight weeks.
The Eagles have strong depth at inside linebacker with Mychal Kendricks, DeMeco Ryans and rookie Jordan Hicks, which doesn’t make Alonso’s absence any less unfortunate but should make it easier for the defense to manage without him.