Eagles backup lineman charged with rape, kidnapping

An Eagles reserve offensive lineman is facing rape and kidnapping charges after being indicted by a grand jury in Ohio.

Josh Sills, a 25-year-old tackle who hasn’t played a snap for the team, sexually assaulted a woman in December 2019 and held her against her will, authorities in Guernsey County said Wednesday. Both offenses are classified as first-degree felonies.

No further information about the incident was provided in the indictment. The victim immediately reported the crime, which was followed up with a detailed investigation, according to the county’s sheriff’s office.

Sills’s attorney could not be reached for comment.

“The organization is aware of the legal matter involving Josh Sills,” the Eagles said in a statement. “We have been in communication with the league office and are in the process of gathering more information. We have no further comment at this time.”

Sills, who grew up in Ohio near Guernsey County, was ordered to appear in court on Feb. 16, which will be several days after the Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

The team signed Sills as an undrafted rookie before the start of this season, and he has only been asked to suit up for a single game – though he did not see playing time. Sills spent four years playing at West Virginia University before finishing his college career at Oklahoma State.