Add Derek Barnett to the long list of Eagles players who will be recovering from surgery this offseason. Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com reports that the defensive end underwent sports hernia surgery following his team’s Super Bowl victory.
The reporter notes that the recovery period is only six weeks, and the surgery is intended to make the specific area of the body stronger. In other words, Barnett should already be close to full-health.
Following a productive rookie campaign, the 2017 first-rounder is expected to take on a bigger role with the Eagles in 2018. The Tennessee product finished last season with 21 tackles and five sacks in 15 games. He also scooped up a key Tom Brady fumble during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl. The 21-year-old may start the season behind Brandon Graham and Michael Bennett on the depth chart, but he’ll serve alongside Chris Long as one of the top rotational defensive ends.
Kempski notes that the Eagles are likely to bring Barnett along slowly this offseason. A number of his teammates will be following a similar path, including quarterback Carson Wentz, offensive tackle Jason Peters, wideout Alshon Jeffery, linebacker Jordan Hicks, defensive end Timmy Jernigan, running back Darren Sproles, and safety Chris Maragos.