Tim Jernigan to Miss Offseason Work

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - Eagles defensive tackle Tim Jernigan will miss the team's offseason workouts after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back, according to Philadelphia-area radio personality Howard Eskin.

Jernigan, who starts next to Pro Bowl selection Fletcher Cox on the interior of Jim Schwartz's defense, will miss all of the Eagles' on-field OTAs and the mandatory minicamp from June 12-14. There is no word yet on whether Jernigan will be ready for training camp this summer.

Coach Doug Pederson will meet the media next on May 11.

Jernigan started 15 games last season, his first in Philadelphia after being acquired from the Baltimore Ravens, finishing with 29 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks. His production and playing time dropped in the second half of the season, however, as he struggled with back problems.

Despite that, the Eagles signed Jernigan to a lucrative four-year, $48 million extension with $26M of that guaranteed last November.

The Eagles will move forward in the offseason with Cox, veteran free-agent Haloti Ngata, as well as Destiny Vaeao and Elijah Qualls at the main pieces at defensive tackle. Others on the offseason roster include Aziz Shittu, Winston Craig, and undrafted rookie free agent Bruce Hector.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen