Eagles Notebook: Josh Sills acquitted of charges, returned to active roster

Jun 03, 2023

A jury acquitted Eagles offensive lineman Josh Sills of felony rape and kidnapping charges after three hours of deliberations Friday.

Sills was found not guilty of restraining a woman in his truck and forcing her into performing oral sex on him in 2019. The trial took place at the Guernsey County Courtroom in Cambridge, Ohio.

“We are aware that the legal matter involving Josh Sills has been adjudicated and he was found not guilty,” the Eagles wrote in a statement. “The organization has monitored the situation. The NFL has removed him from the Commissioner’s exempt list and he will return to the team’s active roster.”

After a five-day trial, Sills made a statement following the verdict, thanking members of the jury as well as his family for sticking by him.

“I’ve done nothing wrong,” Sills said in the courtroom, “and am glad that was proven today.”

The West Virginia and Oklahoma State product made the Eagles’ roster last season and saw action in one game. He was placed on the exempt list on the eve of the Super Bowl, after a grand jury in Ohio indicted him on rape and kidnapping charges. Sills was not permitted to practice or travel with the team.

Sills returns at a time when the Eagles are looking for a low-cost option at guard to fill the void left by Isaac Seumalo, who left in free agency to Pittsburgh. The 25-year-old Sills (6-6, 325) has worked at guard and tackle.

• • •

Linebacker/edge rusher Patrick Johnson had to be carted off the practice field Friday after injuring his left knee during a pass rush in 7-on-7 drills. Johnson was in considerable pain.

Cornerback James Bradbury, who exited midway through Thursday’s practice with a groin issue, was held out of work Friday. Receiver Deon Cain (ankle) also sat out the padded practice with linebacker Nakobe Dean (ankle).

The good news was edge rusher Haason Reddick (groin soreness), defensive end Derek Barnett (knee) and cornerback Avonte Maddox (toe) worked their way back into practice on a limited basis.

• • •

NOTES >> Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota easily had his best day throwing the ball for the Eagles. … Cornerback Darius Slay stepped in front of Dallas Goedert to record his first interception of camp. It came on a throw by Jalen Hurts. Hurts was also intercepted by Sydney Brown, who grabbed a ball deflected by safety Reed Blankenship. … The Eagles have a walkthrough sessions closed to the media Saturday. On Sunday they practice at Lincoln Financial Field. … Among other training camp guests Friday was linebacker great Bill Bergey, who signed autographs, and quarterback A.J. Feeley, who guided the club to a 4-1 record when Donovan McNabb fractured a leg in 2002.

Sign up for email newsletters