Report: Eagles’ Joe Walker Has A Torn ACL

Joe Walker. (USA Today Sports)

PITTSBURGH — Joe Walker tore his ACL during the Eagles’ 17-0 win last night over the Steelers, according to Les Bowen of the Daily News. The rookie linebacker was out for the final kickoff of the first half and according to Bowen, Walker heard a pop in his knee.

Walker was considered the top backup to Jordan Hicks at middle linebacker, and he impressed coaches throughout training camp. With the seventh-round pick sidelined, it’s unclear who on the roster — if anyone — the Eagles would want to occupy the backup MIKE role. The Eagles were reportedly in “heavy negotiations” with Stephen Tulloch two weeks ago, but no contract ever materialized. Walker’s injury could push them closer to a deal.

Aaron Grymes also left the game in Pittsburgh early with a shoulder injury. According to Bowen, Grymes suffered an AC sprain and could miss the rest of the preseason. Grymes said he “banged up” his right shoulder by awkwardly landing on it when he intercepted a pass in the end zone during the second quarter.

He played for the rest of the first half, but he and the trainers decided he should sit out the second half to prevent further damage. Here’s the play Grymes suffered his injury on: