Eagles’ safety Rodney McLeod ‘right on pace’ to return from knee injury

Rodney McLeod’s feeling good about his goal of returning to the field with the Philadelphia Eagles by the start of training camp and that he’ll be in the lineup when they open the season Sept. 8 against the Washington Redskins.

The Eagles’ veteran safety has been progressing nicely in his recovery from surgery after the season-ending torn MCL he suffered last September.

‘Things are looking good’

“I’m right on pace — running, cutting, changing direction, getting from sideline to sideline,” McLeod told Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan on Movin’ The Chains. “So things are looking good. Like I said, my whole goal, since I came down with the injury, was focused on training camp — getting back for camp and then making sure I start preparing myself to get ready to be out there with my guys come Week One.”

“I still felt included, I still was involved and engaged in some way and I think that has helped me get through this past season the most. Because, let’s be honest, I play this game, I love it. And this is the first time something has ever happened to me like this.”

McLeod has done plenty of self-reflection since suffering the injury.

‘We’re a brotherhood and guys encourage each other every moment’

“Oh, man, it’s been a journey, a humbling experience, I would say that,” he said. “I feel like, during this time, you learn a lot about yourself. But you also learn about the people closest to you, your family. I would say that they’ve been my biggest support system throughout this entire process and kind of being with me every step of the way. And then you also have my teammates. (Injured) guys do feel distant and that does happen, but one thing about us at the Eagles, man, we’re a brotherhood and guys encourage each other every moment.

“So that was always good to see. I still felt included, I still was involved and engaged in some way and I think that has helped me get through this past season the most. Because, let’s be honest, I play this game, I love it. And this is the first time something has ever happened to me like this. So it was devastating but I focus on the positives. I’m literally counting down a days until I’m back out there. I’m hoping to aim for camp and then, of course, be ready Week One, when we face the Redskins in the Linc.”