Leodis McKelvin: Hamstring May Be Season-Long Issue

Leodis McKelvin. (USA Today Sports)

After the Eagles’ 28-23 loss to the Giants on Sunday, Leodis McKelvin noted his hamstring prevented him from running at his top speed. After practice on Wednesday, he added that it may bother him for the rest of this season.

“I’m probably going to deal with this shit for the rest of this year, unless it just magically disappears,” McKelvin said. “It’s going to be a struggle. It’s just something I’m going to have to deal with if I want to continue to go out there and play. I got to be more technically sound whenever I’m out there. A lot of guys go through injuries. A lot of guys play through injuries, so that’s just my case.”

According to Pro Football Focus, McKelvin allowed four receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants, giving up a perfect passer rating of 158.3 when targeted. With Ron Brooks out for the season, the Eagles only have two backup cornerbacks, both of whom are rookies.

While seventh-round pick Jalen Mills played a significant number of snaps in place of McKelvin on Sunday after the veteran was beaten early, McKelvin finished the game and is expected to start against the Falcons.

“My technical breakdown [on Sunday] was I just couldn’t get to my top-end speed. Other than that, I get to get my head around [sooner],” McKelvin said. “You can get beat early, but always give yourself a chance to come back late, and that’s pretty much how that game went for me.

“If I’ll be more technically sound with what I need to do at the line of scrimmage or what I need to do at the top of my break and my backpedal and things like that, I’ll be fine. I’ll be okay.”

This week, McKelvin may be matched up against Julio Jones, who is first in the NFL in receiving yards (970), fifth in yards per catch (19.0) and sixth in receiving touchdowns (five). Jones recorded 300 receiving yards earlier this season against the Panthers, good for sixth-most in NFL history in a single game.

“[Jones is] big, strong, can run fast. Could do anything in the route tree,” McKelvin said. “Julio goes up and attacks the ball better than anyone in the league. … When you’re dealing with somebody as physically explosive as Julio, you got to make sure you’re on top of your game at all times.”

INJURY UPDATES

As expected, Allen Barbre (hamstring), Terrence Brooks (hamstring), Brent Celek (rib) and Kamu Grugier-Hill (hamstring) did not practice, while Taylor Hart (ankle) was limited. Both Bennie Logan (groin) and Leodis McKelvin (hamstring) were full participants, while Logan — who has missed the last three games — noted after practice that he’s “definitely” on track to play on Sunday.