Philadelphia Eagles CB Darius Slay injury update during OTAs

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay revealed he was not himself last season before he finally underwent arthroscopic knee surgery ahead of Week 15's Monday Night loss to the Seattle Seahawks. 

"Oh yeah, I was real bad," Slay told reporters during the first session of OTAs. "But you know, I would just try to push through for the team being the captain that I am. I just wanted to be the best out there because I know 60 percent of me sometimes is better than a lot of folks. I just try to do what's best for the team."

Slay ended up missing the Eagles' final stretch of the 2023 season but returned for their wild-card playoff matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he, thankfully, dodged an injury scare after taking a brutal hit to his lower back. 

Slay was carted off of the field and the Eagles would go on to lose 32-9 to the Bucs, ending their season. 

Even after missing five games last season, Slay still managed to lead the cornerback room with 57 tackles, 14 passes defended, and two interceptions, including one he returned for a score. 

Remind you, the Eagles were getting just 60 percent from Slay, and now post-surgery, he says he's feeling like himself again but younger. 

"I honestly feel like I'm 25 again," Slay said. "I came a few times before OTA's for 7-on-7s. Guys wanted to race. Guess who won? You know, the 33-year-old guy. I just let them know, the wheels are back. Ya'll better be ready."

Unlike James Bradberry, Slay has been present for voluntary workouts, helping the Eagles' rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean make a smooth transition to the next level. 

When asked why he's voluntarily shown up, Slay said he wants to be "more than just a phone call away."