Eli

Ricks

Ricks has not logged a defensive snap this season. He played on 15 snaps in 2024 and 316 as a rookie in 2023. In his career, Ricks has 17 tackles and two pass breakups. The Eagles also waived OLB Antwaun Powell-Ryland and DT Jacob Sykes and signed DE K.J. Henry to the practice squad.

Smith reportedly re-injured the triceps muscle that he tore during Super Bowl LIX. He underwent surgery to repair the torn tissue this offseason. The Eagles believe Smith will not require surgery and hope to have him back “around” their Week 9 bye. Players placed on injured reserve are eligible to return after missing four games. The Eagles also placed CB Jakorian Bennett and WR Darius Cooper on injured reserve with undisclosed injuries. Both players are likewise expected to avoid surgery and are expected to return around Week 9. The Eagles signed S Marcus Epps, TE Cameron Latu, and CB Parry Nickerson to the active roster, and LB Lance Dixon, DB Eli Ricks, and WR Quez Watkins to the practice squad.

The Eagles are essentially at full health, so no questionable calls for Thursday’s game. McKee will be the emergency third quarterback for the contest behind Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett.

Ricks (6’2/188) was a five-star recruit who made an instant impact by racking up nine PBU and four interceptions while being named a Freshman All-American at LSU. He only played in six games as a sophomore before transferring to Alabama and had trouble adjusting to the Nick Saban-led culture, starting five-of-10 games while missing three contests due to injury and earning a relatively uninspiring 69.8 PFF defensive grade in 2022. In addition to undisciplined and inconsistent play on the field, Ricks ran a brutal 4.60s 40 (37th%) and a terrifying 7.44s 3-Cone which was an 8th percentile time. While Ricks had a sensational freshman season and possesses NFL length, he is sluggish in his transitions and lacks the required athleticism to be an NFL starting corner, however, he could hang around as a sub-package/nickel option.

Ricks (6'2/196) is expected to be a force at Alabama and plenty of analysts are high on what he’s shown to this point. Ricks is the only SEC cornerback to ever post a 70+ man coverage grade over the past two seasons. He was recently listed as the best player at his position by Anthony Treash of Pro Football Focus. That puts him ahead of Cam Smith (South Carolina) and Clark Phillips III (Utah).

Ricks (6'2/196) showed a lot of potential at LSU and is expected to continue making a big splash after he departed to Alabama back in December. According to Pro Football Focus, Ricks is the only SEC cornerback to ever post a 70+ man coverage grade over the past two seasons. It’s reasons like this that make him a true standout and play a role into why he was named to the Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list. The award his handed out to the best defensive player in college football and was most recently earned by Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr.

Ricks (6'2"/196) will receive a fine for the speeding ticket, but with the marijuana charge dropped and the insurance matter seemingly resolved, not further punishment seems likely. That’s great news for Ricks and Alabama, as Ricks is a highly touted transfer from LSU and was expected to compete for the starting job and have a great chance to win.

Ricks (6'2/196) originally committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide in December, marking his departure from LSU. He’s expected to compete for a starting role ahead of the 2022 season, and both his play and the numbers reflect why he has that opportunity at such a prestigious level. According to Pro Football Focus, Ricks is the only SEC CB to post a 70+ man coverage grade over the past two seasons.

Ricks (6'2/196) was booked into the Jones County Sheriff’s Department at 5:14 PM Sunday and was reportedly still in the county jail Monday morning. He will look to have his bond set by a judge later in the week. The former LSU CB committed to Alabama last December and is expected to compete for a starting role ahead of the 2022 season.

Ricks (6'3/186) is a tremendous grab for Alabama, who strengthens its secondary with the addition of the former five-star prospect. As a freshman, Ricks was named third-team All-American, and had posted 11 tackles and one interception in six games this season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Ricks should have a chance to make an immediate impact for Bama in 2022. He had a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 68.8 in 2021, and a coverage grade of 85.6 in 2020.