Avonte Maddox expected to return to Eagles practice ahead of NFC Championship game

The Philadelphia Eagles may be as healthy as they’ve been in recent weeks at the perfect time. Ahead of the team’s NFC Title contest against San Francisco on Sunday, head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters that slot cornerback Avonte Maddox would be expected at practice Wednesday afternoon.

“We’re expecting everybody to be doing stuff at practice today.” Nick Sirianni said before practice.

Avonte Maddox set for return

Maddox has missed the last three games after suffering a toe injury but has graded out to be one of the best slot corners in football. Pro Football Focus grades Maddox at an elite 71.3 grade. He’s played in nine games this season with three passes defensed.

In Avonte Maddox’s absence, the Eagles have used Chauncey Gardner-Johnson in the slot while using Reed Blankenship at safety. Maddox’s return would mean Blankenship would be the extra defender while CGJ would move back to the position he used to lead the league in interceptions this year.

San Francisco has been a team that has made their success over the middle of the field and in the slot this season. With the return of Maddox, that edge could very well be eliminated as the Eagles try to get to their second Super Bowl in five seasons.