The Philadelphia Eagles are hoping to have wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor back into the lineup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 13. Regardless, it appears wide receiver JJ. Arcega-Whiteside could be poised for an even bigger role.
The Eagles recently opted to release wide receiver Jordan Matthews. Head coach Doug Pederson indicates it was due to his plans for Arceg-Whiteside to see more snaps, via Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports:
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside will get an expanded role with Jordan Matthews gone, per Doug Pederson.
Philadelphia took Arcega-Whiteside in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has largely struggled to etch out a consistent role for himself in the offense with only five receptions for 86 yards in the 2019 NFL season. Despite his modest production, it seems he has shown enough to Pederson that he is ready for more looks from quarterback Carson Wentz in the passing game.
It is no secret that Philadelphia is in desperate need of some firepower on offense. They brought in a familiar face in Matthews to help fill the void left by the injuries to Jeffery and Agholor. With him now gone, Pederson is hoping Arcega-Whiteside will emerge into a bonafide option on the outside.
The Eagles will have the remaining stretch of games to determine how well Arcega-Whiteside fares as the complementary option to Jeffery. The onus will fall on the rookie to take advantage of any increase in targets he may get from Wentz now that he is slated for more playing time.
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