Jeremy Maclin Injury: Updates on Eagles Star's Possible Concussion and Return

The high-flying Philadelphia Eagles offense will be without a key component due to an injury suffered by wide receiver Jeremy Maclin against the Arizona Cardinals.  

Maclin left the Week 8 matchup to be evaluated for a concussion, according to the Eagles:

Maclin would return and make a big catch upon his arrival in the lineup, via Geoff Mosher of CSN Philadelphia:

Maclin has been outstanding in Chip Kelly's offense this season. He was targeted 60 times in the first six games of the year and has played a pivotal role in the passing game.

However, that comes with a caveat because Nick Foles hasn't been the same quarterback throwing the deep ball this season. Prior to Philadelphia's Week 6 win over New York, Pro Football Focus determined that of the 55 times Maclin was targeted, only 25 were catchable (h/t Andrew Siciliano of the NFL Network):

Making Maclin's ascent even more impressive is he did it taking the place of DeSean Jackson, who was released after the 2013 season, and didn't play last year after tearing the ACL in his right leg. He told reporters after the injury occurred the hardest part was not being able to play:

"

I was devastated. It wasn't the fact that it hurt, it was the fact that I knew what happened so I was emotional, knowing what was at stake. This is something that I love to do. I love to play football and knowing I'm not going to be able to do that, knowing that I'm not going to be a part of this new era here in Philly this year.

"

The Eagles brought Maclin back on a one-year deal in February. The results have been tremendous for him and the team. Nick Foles' play has regressed this season, yet Maclin remains one of the best downfield threats in the NFL. 

Kelly's system is predicated on being able to score quickly. Maclin turned out to be everything the head coach could have hoped for when he re-signed with the team on a bargain deal. The Eagles are succeeding this year despite slow starts from Foles and LeSean McCoy. Maclin stepping up has been huge and his absence will be felt. 

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