Difficult rehab ahead for ACL.

Jerry Maclin was placed on injured reserve, and is out for the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee.

The Eagles could have waited to place Maclin on IR and designate him for return, as they did last year when offensive tackle Jason Peters tore his Achilles' tendon, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Teams have one such IR exemption per season.

But this year the player designated for return cannot go on IR until after 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the regular season. Maclin doesn't qualify.

Peters felt healthy enough to play before the end of last season, but didn't. It was probably better that way for there was no use putting him at risk with the Eagles putting the finishing touches on a disappointing 4-12 season.

Maclin is in the last year of his contract. It's early but it doesn't appear the Eagles are going to be challenging for a playoff spot, not with all of the changes in coaching, style and players.

This past weekend Maclin didn't think a guy in his situation should be rushing back into action. It's the second time Maclin tore the right ACL.

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