Healthy Britain Covey might be Eagles' best returner option
Healthy Britain Covey might be Eagles' best returner option originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
After spending all of training camp in Los Angeles, Britain Covey really thought he was going to make the Rams' 53-man roster until the last minute.
Then he didn't.
As he contemplated his next move, the receiver/returner figured if he had to be on a practice squad, the easiest and best decision was coming back to Philly.
They know what I can do, both as a punt returner and as a receiver," Covey said on Sunday. Just love this coaching staff, love this team, honestly."
As Covey got that last part out, tight end Dallas Goedert walked by and overheard the conversation.
We love you, Covey," Goedert shouted.
I love you too, Dallas," Covey said before continuing his answer. It's about opportunity but it's also just about I really love being here, working with these guys. I know they trust me. When I came back, gave Jalen (Hurts) a big hug. Just really love these guys out here."
Covey first arrived in Philly as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and has had success in the NFL as a punt returner. So not only is he back where he feels comfortable - in a city his family hadn't yet left - but his arrival could really help the Eagles, who don't really have a great option at punt returner right now. Sure, Cooper DeJean could continue to return punts but it's clear that DC Vic Fangio would prefer DeJean to focus on defense. Another option could be Jahan Dotson, but he has yet to return a punt in his NFL career.
So there's a good chance that the 28-year-old Covey will be Eagles' punt returner yet again through elevations from the practice squad and then perhaps eventually with a spot on the 53-man roster.
If you remember, that was the plan going into the 2024 season. Covey made the active roster out of camp and was the Eagles' full-time punt returner until he suffered a shoulder fracture in Week 3. He was placed on IR and tried to come back, but the shoulder fracture caused nerve issues in his neck and shoulder that took a long time to heal.
In January, the Eagles activated Covey's practice window but he wasn't able to return. He was a spectator for Super Bowl LIX.
Just one injury that really just carried over and lingered," he said. Tried to come back a little early and then it just lingered, so that was frustrating. The doctors essentially told me you need a full 4 or 5 months to let it heal and I wasn't letting it happen because I was trying to get back so quick. Once it healed by May, June, I felt ready to go. But it was annoying if that's what you're asking."
Covey said he didn't really feel 100% until June.
But a healthy Covey could certainly help the Eagles. In 2023, Covey was one of the best punt returners in the NFL. He had 29 returns for 417 yards (14.4 average) and a long of 54. His average of 14.4 was second in the NFL among qualified players. DeJean last year performed well and had an average of 10.0 yards per return.
Covey is good at returning punts and he also sees all the intricacies of the position.
It's so much more than just putting a quick, fast guy back there," Covey said.
While having a fast returner definitely helps, Covey explained that the important part of a successful return is the 10 blockers being on the same page. That's why Covey does extra film work to bring to his blockers to show them the specific tendencies of the players they will be facing on the punt unit. It takes buy-in from everybody.
And it helps that there will at least be some familiar faces on the Eagles' punt return unit.
While Covey didn't make the Rams' 53-man roster, he enjoyed his time with that organization. He got to learn about offense from head coach Sean McVay, who has a unique style. He got to be teammates with his childhood friend Puka Nacua. And he got to share a receiver room with six-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams.
I thought until the very last day I was going to make the 53," Covey said, and when it didn't happen, I was like, If I'm going to pick anywhere, alright guys, I'm going back to the spot that I love.'"