Just days after learning that he was in line to open the 2015 season as the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting nickel back, former Kansas University cornerback JaCorey Shepherd suffered a knee injury that ended his season before it began.
Shepherd, a sixth-round pick by the Eagles in last spring’s NFL Draft, wowed the Philly coaches with his development and production throughout the offseason. So much so that Eagles head coach Chip Kelly signed off on a trade that sent Brandon Boykin to Pittsburgh and opened the door for Shepherd to slide into a major role on the Philly defense.
But during Sunday’s practice Shepherd went down with a right knee injury and a Monday MRI revealed an ACL tear.
According to a report on Philly.com, “The injury occurred Sunday during practice when Shepherd and (former Kansas State running back) Darren Sproles collided during a seven-on-seven drill. The Eagles do not tackle during training camp practices, so he was giving Sproles a “thud” when his foot appeared to get caught in the turf. Shepherd collapsed to the ground – Sproles said he was hollering – and left the field on a cart.”
The report said Shepherd likely would spend the season on injured reserve.
