Philadelphia Eagles activate rookie Cooper DeJean from PUP list

The Philadelphia Eagles returned rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean to the practice field for the first time this training camp on Tuesday. DeJean, a second-round draft pick for the Eagles, was dealing with a hamstring injury that he sustained while training on his own. He hit the practice field to much fanfare as the Eagles welcomed the New England Patriots for a joint practice.

Despite the team activating him from the physically unable-to-perform (PUP) list on Tuesday, according to head coach Nick Sirianni, they’ll take it easy with DeJean’s ramp-up. He’ll begin working in individual drills this week before starting team drills in the near future.

We're expecting a totally normal reaction from the timeline to seeing Cooper 👀 pic.twitter.com/ePlxYmbQ4M

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 13, 2024

Eagles host Patriots for joint practice as JeDean returns

DeJean went through the Eagles’ minicamps and OTAs but hasn’t practiced with the team during training camp due to his hamstring injury. He missed Philadelphia’s first preseason game, which was a 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Depending on how fast the team wants to ramp up his activity, he could either debut during the third preseason game on Aug. 24 against the Vikings or in Week 1 against Packers. It’s extremely unlikely that he’ll play during the Eagles’ Thursday Night Football preseason game against the Patriots this week.

The Eagles announced their signing of Cooper DeJean just before the start of OTAs. The second-rounder inked a four-year deal, worth approximately $9.28 million. The contract includes a signing bonus worth an estimated $3.5 million. 

The Eagles selected DeJean with the No. 40 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, trading up to grab him. They traded the No. 50, 53 and 161 picks to the Washington Commanders in exchange for picks No. 40 and 78.

DeJean’s medical history was a big talking point ahead of the draft following the fractured fibula he suffered last season. He suffered the season-ending injury during a practice ahead of Week 13, but still managed to earn unanimous consensus All-American honors and made First-Team All-Big Ten. He recorded 41 tackles, five pass breakups, and intercepted two passes in his 10 appearances along with 21 punt returns for 241 yards and one touchdown. DeJean returned to full form before the draft and hosted teams for private workouts to prove it.

During the Eagles’ offseason training program, DeJean primarily played in the slot. However, he also played outside corner and he has experience at safety. Now healthy, he can also contribute in the return game.