Timmy Jernigan Reportedly Out 4-6 Months After Undergoing Surgery on Back Injury

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan reportedly underwent surgery last week for a herniated disc in his back.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the news Thursday and noted Jernigan faces a four-to-six month recovery timetable. That puts his status in question for the start of the 2018 NFL season.

The 25-year-old Florida State product joined the Eagles in a trade last April after spending the first three years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens.

He racked up 29 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks during his first season in Philly. Pro Football Focus graded him as the league's No. 35 interior defender.

The Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LII, where they scored a 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots for the franchise's first Super Bowl title and fourth NFL championship. Jernigan had one tackle.

A four-month timeline would put the defensive tackle on track for an early September return. Philadelphia is scheduled to open the 2018 campaign Sept. 6 against the Atlanta Falcons. The full six months would likely leave him sidelined until Week 10, after the team's bye.

Haloti Ngata, whom the Eagles signed in March, is in line to step into the starting lineup alongside Fletcher Cox for as long as Jernigan is out. Destiny Vaeao and Elijah Qualls are other options.