Australian NFL giant Jordan Mailata plays waiting game for Eagles debut after injury update

AUSTRALIA’S Jordan Mailata continues to play the waiting game in his bid for an NFL debut after an injury report showed what still stands in his way before he can take the next step.

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 23, 2018: Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata #68 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs off the field after a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2018 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won 5-0. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)

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AUSTRALIAN NFL sensation Jordan Mailata’s hopes of making his NFL debut in the near future have taken a blow - despite coaches confirming they felt he would be ready to step up this season.

Mailata was believed to be firming for his first action of the regular season following a partially torn biceps injury to starting left tackle Jason Peters which was expected to keep the Pro Bowler sidelined for a couple of weeks.

Peters’ injury was expected to open the door for Australia’s 203cm, 157kg monster — who had never played a down of football before being drafted in the seventh round but has stunned the NFL with his rapid development ever since.

Jason Peters (71) has struggled with injury all year. Picture: AFP

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In fact, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland confirmed on Tuesday morning (AEDT) that he felt Mailata would be ready to play at some point this season.

However that opportunity might not come this week - with the Eagles revealing they were hopeful the 36-year-old Peters wouldn’t miss any gametime, believing he will be ready to line up against the Carolina Panthers for next week’s game (Monday, 4am).

“I don’t think he’s going to miss any time, personally,” said Stoutland in response to a question about back-up Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s ability to fill in.

“I think we take good care … I think the training staff here does a great job of getting him back, getting him healthy, for all the players.

“They’re all beat up at this point in time. You’re smashing into a guy all day long, so guys are going to get banged up across the board.”

Mailata (L) impressed in the Eagles pre-season games. Picture: Getty

Peters has played in all six Eagles games this season, but has struggled with calf and quad injuries which have hampered his play.

Should Vaitai be thrust into the starting team, Mailata would move a step closer to coming into the game day squad — having been one of the Eagles’ seven inactive players through the opening rounds of the season.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson was also pleased with Mailata’s progress.

“He’s coming along really well,” Pederson said.

“I’ll tell you what, he continues to improve every day.

“It’s encouraging to see him continue to grow and develop.”

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Originally published as Australian NFL giant Jordan Mailata plays waiting game for Eagles debut after injury update