Kiko Alonso Injury: Updates on Eagles Star's Knee and Return

The Philadelphia Eagles announced that linebacker Kiko Alonso suffered a knee injury in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He hasn't played since, but will return against the Cowboys in Week 9.

Continue for updates.

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Alonso Active vs. Cowboys

Sunday, Nov. 8

The Eagles announced Alonso will play in the team's NFC East clash.

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Latest on Alonso's Practice Status

Friday, Nov. 6

The Eagles announced that Alonso was a full participant in practice this week.

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Alonso Comments on Potential Return

Tuesday, Nov. 3

Alonso said he expects to play on Sunday, per Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Alonso Discusses Knee Procedure

Thursday, Oct. 8

Alonso said he underwent "knee cleaning," according to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News. He also disputed there was a tear in his ACL.  

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Alonso Receives Encouraging News Regarding ACL

Wednesday, Sept. 30

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported, per a source, Alonso's ACL was deemed intact after receiving a second opinion, adding that he will play again this season after a month of rehab. 

Ed Kracz of Calkins Media confirmed Alonso will not need ACL surgery and could return after Week 8.

Bowen first reported Dr. James Andrews would "scope" Alonso's knee to examine the ACL graft from last season. "If MRI overestimated damage, he can play," Bowen wrote.

Bob Grotz of the Delaware County Daily Times noted on Sept. 22 that Alonso told teammates the sprain "isn't serious." Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com added Alonso wasn't walking with a limp.

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Examining Alonso's Injury History, Potential Impact 

The Eagles invested heavily in Alonso this past offseason by acquiring him from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for star running back LeSean McCoy. However, the risks involved with the deal are coming to light.

Alonso burst on to the scene as a rookie with the Bills in 2013 after being selected with the No. 46 overall pick in the draft. Although he was snubbed in both the Defensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl voting, he put up monster numbers to the tune of 159 tackles, four interceptions, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.

Expectations were through the roof for the former Oregon standout entering 2014 as part of a dominant defense, but disaster struck when he tore his ACL while working out and was forced to miss the entire year.

Buffalo ultimately traded Alonso to Philly to play under his former collegiate head coach, which was a move that intrigued many, including NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah:

While the deal had the potential to improve the Eagles defense significantly, it was also a massive gamble on Philadelphia's part. Not only was it banking on Alonso returning to full health, but it also traded away a fan favorite in order to get him.

There were immediate concerns during training camp when Alonso suffered a concussion. At the same time, though, coaches such as defensive coordinator Billy Davis couldn't help but marvel at his physical ability, per Corey Seidman of CSNPhilly.com:

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Kiko has got a really well-rounded skill set. He's got length ... when you're playing the bigger tight ends, you've got a linebacker that matches up length-wise. He's got speed, so when he's on a running back he's got the ability to cover them man-to-man. He's a natural linebacker, he really is, who has the ability to cover man-to-man.

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The Eagles have a decent amount of depth inside compared to previous years because Mychal Kendricks and DeMeco Ryans are both capable, but things get sketchy beyond that..

The big concern relates to Alonso's long-term health and whether he'll avoid being an injury-prone player moving forward. If he can't, then fans may look back at the trade involving McCoy as a major misstep by the organization.

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