For the second time in as many seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles will need Greg Ward to play a major role in the offense. At this time last year, Ward was nothing more than a former practice squad member and AAF standout trying to secure a spot on the back of the roster. However, with Jalen Reagor sidelined, the Eagles will once again need this former quarterback to serve as a key piece of the passing offense.
Greg Ward Ready to Shine After Jalen Reagor’s Injury
2019 Recap
Greg Ward entered the 2019 offseason as one of the biggest afterthoughts on the roster. On paper, Philadelphia had one of the deepest receiver depth charts in the league, and Ward simply didn’t have a realistic chance of making the roster. Alshon Jeffery could win on the outside, DeSean Jackson could stretch the field, Nelson Agholor handled the slot, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside offered the promise of youth. Unsurprisingly, Ward didn’t make the Week 1 roster and started the season on the practice squad.
However, Ward soon had his chance to prove he belonged on the field. After a plethora of injuries devastated the depth chart, Ward suddenly found himself as one of the top options in the passing attack. Quickly developing a rapport with Carson Wentz, Ward finished the season with 28 receptions for 254 yards and one touchdown. He did all of this over the final six games of the year, with the Eagles going 4-2 in said outings.
The Eagles needed to finish strong to win the division, and they couldn’t have done it without Ward. The longtime practice squad member played a large part in Philadelphia’s four-game season-ending winning streak, and even caught the game-winning touchdown against the Washington Redskins.
Greg Ward Without Jalen Reagor
Ward played admirably down the stretch last year, but nobody wanted him to have to do it again. Philadelphia’s front office made a genuine effort to bolster the receiving depth chart, trading for Marquise Goodwin while drafting Jalen Reagor, John Hightower, and Quez Watkins.
However, just like in 2019, the depth chart is falling apart. Alshon Jeffery is still not healthy and will almost certainly start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Marquise Goodwin opted out, and Reagor is out for approximately four weeks. DeSean Jackson is still around, but he’s the only other proven commodity at wide receiver.
Ready or not, Greg Ward is going to play a big role in the passing attack, at least early on. Fortunately, he should be up for the task. According to reports out of camp, Ward has Wentz’ complete and total trust. This is obviously the most important part of any quarterback-receiver connection, and we already know that this trust can translate onto the football field.
Greg Ward might not be the biggest, fastest, or strongest receiver, but he has the heart of the champion and the trust of his quarterback. He’s ready to be a starter in this offense, and should be able to handle a large target share while Reagor is sidelined.
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