Eagles defensive tackle Tim Jernigan was cleared to return to practice, offering the potential for a major boost to the Eagles defensive line.
Jernigan, who has not practiced or played since the Super Bowl because of an offseason back injury, has been on the non-football injury list. He participated in a walkthrough on Monday, starting a 21-day window to be activated to the roster. He can play as soon as Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. If he's not activated to the roster during the next 21 days, he goes on injured reserve.
The sooner Jernigan returns, the better for an Eagles defense that has been undermanned at defensive tackle this season.