Philadelphia Eagles activate Mike Patterson

In a surprising and inspiring development, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to activate 29-year-old defensive tackle Mike Patterson from the reserve/non-football injury list today.

Eagles head coach Andy Reid told Pro Football Talk, “We’ll get it done today. It’ll be knocked out today one way or another.”

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Patterson began practicing two weeks ago, but even then he was not expected to resume playing during the 2012 season after undergoing brain surgery in the offseason. It was very scary stuff for the solid DT, as surgery was needed to fix a congenital tangle of blood vessels.

There was even some worry that Mike Patterson would not be able to play football again, and it was almost certain that he would not be able to play for the remainder of the season. Despite having a few scary health problems in his career, Patterson is a worry and has only missed two games in his eight-year career. He wants to play, and this is definitely a story to feel good about.

Last season, Mike Patterson recorded three sacks and 33 tackles for the Philadelphia Eagles, and he also finished the year with six tackles for loss. A good starter in this league, Patterson is able to plug holes in the running game and will help boost the Eagles defense when he is able to return.

Reid also said, “He moved around well and there were no symptoms [from the] surgery he had with his head and brain He’s felt good.  He’s felt good all the way through workouts and then once he came out here he felt good. . . .  I think you would probably monitor how many snaps he plays.  You’re not going to put him in there and have him go the whole game, which our guys don’t do anyway.  Definitely monitor how he’s doing.”

Update: It is official, the Philadelphia Eagles have activated Mike Patterson and have released linebacker Jason Williams in order to accommodate Patterson on the roster. Williams played in two games for the Eagles this season. If all continues to progress as it should, Patterson will be playing against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.

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