Eagles Shut Down Rookie Tackle Myles Hinton for 2025 Season, Eye 2026 Return
The Philadelphia Eagles have officially hit pause on Myles Hinton’s rookie campaign. The sixth-round pick out of Michigan won’t see the field in 2025, as the team has decided to keep him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season following a back injury that’s lingered since training camp.
Hinton’s 21-day practice window opened last month, sparking some hope that the young offensive tackle might get a late-season look. But with just four games left on the schedule-and every one of them critical to Philly’s playoff push-the Eagles are opting for roster stability over experimentation. It's a move that makes sense when you consider the stakes and Hinton’s status as a developmental prospect rather than a plug-and-play contributor.
No Room for Risk in a Tight Playoff Race
Let’s be honest: this isn’t the time to roll the dice on an unproven rookie, especially not in the trenches. The Eagles’ offense has been under the microscope lately, with questions swirling around Jalen Hurts and the unit’s overall rhythm. The last thing this team needs is uncertainty along the offensive line, particularly at tackle-a position where cohesion and communication are non-negotiable.
With Jordan Mailata holding down the left side and Lane Johnson expected back soon to anchor the right, the starting five is set. Fred Johnson remains the swing tackle, and the Eagles will lean on interior linemen and practice squad depth to round out their protection. In that context, forcing a roster spot for Hinton just doesn’t add up.
A Redshirt Year with Long-Term Upside
This decision essentially gives Hinton a redshirt year-a full offseason to get healthy, build strength, and work with the coaching staff without the pressure of game-day expectations. And while it’s disappointing not to get a look at him this year, it’s far from a closed book.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Eagles’ offensive line depth chart could look very different. Fred Johnson is heading toward free agency, and with just $22.4 million in projected cap space, Philly won’t be in position to overspend on a backup tackle. That opens the door for a low-cost, in-house option like Hinton-assuming he can prove he belongs.
The Path to a Roster Spot in 2026
The challenge for Hinton will be turning potential into production. He’s got the size and raw tools that made him a Day 3 target, but he’ll need to show growth in technique and consistency to earn a spot next summer.
The Eagles have historically been patient with their draft picks, especially on the offensive line, where development often takes time. That patience could pay off if Hinton can stay healthy and make a leap during training camp and preseason.
There’s no sugarcoating it-losing a full rookie year to injury is never ideal. But for Hinton, this isn’t the end of the road.
It’s a delayed start, with a real opportunity still on the horizon. And for the Eagles, it’s a calculated decision to prioritize the now while still keeping one eye on the future.
If all goes well, we could be talking about Hinton as a key depth piece-or even more-when the 2026 season kicks off. For now, though, his NFL debut will have to wait.