Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan will miss four-to-six months after undergoing back surgery for a herniated disc last week, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates.
Jernigan will need to recover at the low end of his recovery timetable if he's to be ready for Week 1, and is certain to miss the team's entire offseason program.
Acquired through a trade with the Baltimore Ravens a year ago, he started 15 games for the Eagles and was a big reason for the reigning Super Bowl champion's No. 1-ranked run defense.
While his loss is a significant blow, Philadelphia has arguably the deepest defensive line in the NFL. Veteran Haloti Ngata should move into the starting lineup alongside Fletcher Cox, while Michael Bennett's ability to play across the line will likely be utilized to an even greater degree.
