Eagles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan has been cleared to return to practice, the team announced on Monday. Jernigan has been on the non-football injury list since undergoing back surgery in May, but he could be on the cusp of rejoining the team soon. 
The operation cost Jernigan the first half of the season and could also prove to be costly from a financial perspective. After the surgery, the Eagles pushed Jernigan to alter the remaining three years on his four-year, $48MM extension. Those seasons are now team option years with no guaranteed money, so Jernigan will have ample motivation when/if he returns to the field this year.
The Eagles boast one of the deepest defensive line units in the league and have held up well even without Jernigan on the field. They rank second in Football Outsiders‘ adjusted line yards and 14th in adjusted sack rate.
Despite the D-Line’s success, the Eagles have some critical games on the horizon, including a Nov. 18 date against Drew Brees and the Saints. They’re hoping to get Jernigan back on the field as soon as possible as they chase the Redskins for the NFC East crown.