Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Brandon Graham Cleared to Play in Super Bowl After Injury Comeback
In a remarkable turn of events, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham has been cleared to compete in the upcoming Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs after recovering from a torn triceps sustained 11 weeks earlier. This development has revived hopes for the 36-year-old veteran, who initially faced a bleak outlook following his injury during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on November 24.
Following the injury, Graham was placed on injured reserve, casting doubt on his participation in what he had declared would be his final season. However, as the Eagles continued to advance through the NFC playoffs—winning all three games—Graham considered the possibility of returning to the field. Notably, he mentioned his desire to wear his No. 55 jersey for Super Bowl introductions, a number that had become significant after the Eagles scored 55 points in the NFC title game.
Last week, Graham made strides in his recovery, returning to practice as a limited participant and then fully participating by Friday. By Saturday, he was officially reinstated to the 53-man roster, marking a significant milestone in his comeback journey.
While addressing reporters in New Orleans, Graham expressed his exhilaration about potentially running out of the tunnel for the Super Bowl kickoff. “It’ll feel great because you worked your butt off to get back,” he stated. “I know the team worked their butt off to get here and I want to be there for them.”
Graham’s experience is invaluable, as he is one of only four players remaining from the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl championship roster. Drafted in the first round from Michigan in 2010, he had previously announced that this season would mark the end of his career. However, his injury led him to reflect on that decision, leaving the door open for future considerations about retirement.
He is also remembered for his pivotal role in Eagles history, notably for his crucial strip-sack of quarterback Tom Brady during the Super Bowl, which contributed to the Eagles’ 41-33 victory. Despite missing much of the 2021 season due to an Achilles injury, Graham rebounded last year to achieve a personal-best of 11 sacks. Up until his recent injury, he had recorded three and a half sacks in 11 games this season and holds the franchise record for postseason sacks at five and a half.
In their previous Super Bowl matchup two years ago, Graham played 18 snaps but did not register any tackles or sacks during the game. In his absence, the Eagles implemented a strategic three-player rush with Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat, and Jalyx Hunt, yielding continued success on defense.
As Graham returns, he remains mindful of the team’s dynamics. “I don’t want to get in the way of the rhythm of what everybody already has,” he said. “If I can just add anything, I want to give everything I’ve got.”
On the other side, the Chiefs have made roster moves as well, elevating linebacker Swayze Bozeman and cornerback Steven Nelson from the practice squad while opting not to activate wide receiver Skyy Moore, who has been on injured reserve but participated in practice sessions leading up to the Super Bowl.
Source
www.theguardian.com