On New Year's Eve in 2023, Sydney Brown showcased his playmaking ability with a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. The trajectory was pointing sky high for the rookie third-round pick.
Just one week later, in the first quarter of the Week 18 game at the New York Giants, Brown tore his ACL running down the field to cover a punt.
His promising rookie campaign ended at MetLife Stadium. His 2024 season will begin there as Brown was activated Saturday off the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, taking the spot of tackle Jordan Mailata, who was placed on Injured Reserve on Friday.
"It is the place where I tore it, I realize that, but it's another year. I prepared and I dominated this ACL process. It's just something that I prepared for and obviously it's on my mind, but it's not something I'm superstitious about," Brown said at his locker on Friday when asked about the prospects of making his season debut at MetLife Stadium.
"Everything happens for a reason and on that day on January 7th, I tore my ACL for a reason. I'm not worried about that. I'm just focused on what I can do to help the team and how we're going to get this W."
Brown had his practice window opened on October 7, exactly nine months after the injury. He doesn't know what his role will be or the extent of it, but he simply said "if my name is called, I'll be ready."
"I feel great, yeah. Just kind of taking it week by week. Just really focusing on what I can do to gain the trust of the coaches and my teammates and just trying to fill whatever role they provide for me, if that's special teams, if that's at safety, whatever it is, I'll be ready for it," Brown said.
From the weight room to the practice field, check out this extensive look at the preparation for Sunday's NFC East showdown against the New York Giants.
Nakobe Dean
A.J. Brown
Saquon Barkley
Isaiah Rodgers celebrates with Kelee Ringo.
A.J. Brown
The running backs bring it in.
Jalen Carter
Bryce Huff
Jalyx Hunt
Grant Calcaterra
Smitty
Ainias Smith
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Trevor Keegan
Nakobe Dean
Head Coach Nick Sirianni
Thomas Booker
Ben VanSumeren
A.J. Brown
Kelee Ringo
Saquon Barkley
Jordan Davis looks over Nolan Smith.
Jalen Hurts
Brandon Graham pushing weight around.
Getting ready for gameday!
Jalen Hurts looks to hand the ball off to Will Shipley.
BG!
Battle in the trenches
Jalen Hurts goes through the progression.
Jalen Hurts
As a rookie, Brown started six of the 14 games he played in, totaling 38 tackles, three pass deflections, one forced fumble, and the pick-six. He also led the team with seven special teams tackles.
The Eagles also elevated offensive lineman Jack Driscoll from the practice squad for Sunday's game. This will be the second game in a row that Driscoll has been elevated. The fifth-year lineman made his season debut in Sunday's win over Cleveland, playing five snaps on special teams. With Jordan Mailata on Injured Reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in that Browns game, Driscoll provides veteran depth at several of the O-line spots.
Sunday's kickoff is set for 1 PM at MetLife Stadium. Find out how you can watch, listen, or stream the game.
