Emmanuel

Acho

A different player than his brother Sam of Cardinals, Emmanuel Acho is an instinctual 4-3 linebacker that has little wasted movements when playing the run or short zones in coverage. However, too often he gets engulfed at the second level and has difficulties fighting through those blocks. Acho offers nice depth at the linebacker position and a great work ethic.

The brother of Cardinals LB Sam Acho, Emmanuel was a highly productive player his final two years at Texas, but has a tendency to get swallowed up by bigger linemen. Acho has practiced at middle linebacker during Browns rookie minicamp, but will likely focus on special teams if he makes Cleveland’s roster.

Acho went down in Cleveland’s second preseason game with an undisclosed injury and hadn’t returned. A sixth-round pick out of Texas, he was going to be a reserve on defense and play special teams. He’ll compete for a job in 2013.

Initially, the injury was undisclosed, but after his trade to the Eagles on Wednesday the nature of it was revealed. The 6-foot-2, 238-pound inside ‘backer will compete for a job behind Mychal Kendricks and DeMeco Ryans.

A sixth-round pick last season, Acho missed his entire rookie year due to a knee injury. The brother of Cardinals OLB Sam, Emmanuel will be inside ‘backer depth and a special teamer in Philly’s new 3-4.

Acho will look for work as a special teamer once his thumb is back to 100 percent.

The special teamer/reserve linebacker should clear waivers and revert to injured reserve. It’s possible he’ll eventually be cut loose with an injury settlement.

Acho appeared to pull his groin while trying to chase down Delanie Walker on a 68-yard gain. It left Casey Matthews to play all the snaps next to Mychal Kendricks at inside linebacker. The Eagles already lost starter DeMeco Ryans to to a torn Achilles’ tendon in Week 9.

Acho’s status was in question on the short week. Inactive for Philly’s Thanksgiving trip to Dallas are QB Nick Foles, CB Roc Carmichael, DB Jaylen Watkins, OL Julian Vandervelde, OT Dennis Kelly, WR Jeff Maehl and DE Taylor Hart.

Acho was released during the Eagles’ final cuts last year as well, though he rejoined the team in October. A 2012 sixth-rounder, Acho has two tackles in six career games.