It has been over two years since former Pro-Bowl safety Eric Weddle has played in an NFL game but it has been announced that he will make a return to the league just in time for the playoffs.
The Rams are signing longtime standout S Eric Weddle, per his agent @davidcanter. A return to LA for Weddle to fill in for Jordan Fuller.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 12, 2022
Following an injury to starting safety Jordan Fuller, the Los Angeles Rams are signing Weddle for their playoff run. Weddle last played in the league in 2019 with the Rams, playing all 16 games in the regular season.
This is very surprising and if I had 100 guesses on someone coming back to the NFL for a team this postseason, I am not sure I would have guessed that Eric Weddle would be a consideration.
There were some interesting reactions around the NFL world in response to the shocking return from retirement for the safety.
whoaaaaaaa
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) January 12, 2022
He’s baaack! https://t.co/lpb4k7MCj8
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) January 12, 2022
A 37 year old DB who hasn’t played in two years… wild indeed https://t.co/NGa6ENZCFs
— Brian Peacock (@BDPeacock) January 12, 2022
After essentially two seasons off and at the age of 37, Eric Weddle returns for a playoff run. This should get interesting https://t.co/Q8yhlk32BT
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) January 12, 2022
Last time Eric Weddle played football, there wasn’t a pandemic
— Master (@MasterTes) January 12, 2022
Text from @davidcanter, Eric Weddle’s agent: “This is for the love of the game and his coaches and teammates. We’ll see how it goes!”#Rams’ new safety comes out of retirement for the playoffs.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 12, 2022
With injuries in the secondary for the Rams, Weddle will certainly provide some depth at the position for the team. It remains to be seen whether or not Weddle plays a meaningful role for the Rams, but from an outside perspective, it is a tough ask for much huge impact coming from a 37-year-old safety who hasn’t played in two years.
Weddle does have some things going for him if he wishes to play a big role for the playoffs. He will bring some veteran savvy as well as some familiarity with the Rams locker room to the table in his return.
The Los Angeles Rams are set to play on Monday against the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs.
