If DJ Khaled was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles to announce every injury this season, he could leave his job as a record producer. Another one. And… another one.
Injuries have ransacked both the offense and defensive this year, and after Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, the Eagles add two more players to the injured list.
OFFENSE
As of Sunday, the offense had two remaining starters — Carson Wentz and Jason Kelce.
During the 30-28 loss against the Ravens, tight end Zach Ertz endured an ankle sprain. After leaving the field to have it taped up, he tried to re-enter during the fourth quarter but was unable to finish. He will now miss three to four weeks.
Running back, Miles Sanders also injured himself during his 74-yard run in the third quarter. He was tackled from behind by DeShon Elliott, leaving the game without return. Currently, he is expected to be out for Week 7 against the New York Giants. There have been no further updates for future games.
As for the rest of the offense, Philly fans are left with many unknowns.
- Tight end Dallas Goedert is on short-term IR for a broken bone in his ankle. The Eagles are now down both tight ends.
- Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has now sustained a calf injury after being out for 11 months due to a foot injury. He may make his way back in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.
- Wide receiver Jalen Reagor tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb.
- Offensive tackle Jack Driscoll is out for an ankle injury.
- Left guard Isaac Seumalo will remain out “for the foreseeable future,” according to head coach Doug Pederson.
- Left tackle Jason Peters made his way on short-term IR after receiving a pay raise.
On a more positive note, wide receiver DeSean Jackson and right tackle Lane Johnson were active during practice this week and are expected to make their way back to the field on Thursday, giving the Eagles two more starters.
Right guard Matt Pryor came off the Reserve/COVID-19 list today; however, it is unclear whether he will start against the Giants.
Left tackle Andre Dillard, tight end Josh Perkins and right guard Brandon Brooks are out for the season.
DEFENSE
The Eagles defense has also struggled. Currently, the red zone defense ranks 27th in the NFL.
After Week 6, there are no new injuries to add to the list, but the following players remain out:
- Defensive tackle Malik Jackson sustained a quad injury.
- Safety K’von Wallace has a shoulder injury.
- Linebacker T.J. Edwards has been an asset but placed on short-term IR.
Cornerback Avonte Maddox, linebacker Duke Riley, and safety Marcus Epps were not given designations on the final injury report. They may return for Thursday Night Football.
Defensive end Daeshon Hall is out for the season.
Monday Injury Report pic.twitter.com/gVFOVoHBc1
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 19, 2020
WEEK 7 MATCH-UP
The Philadelphia Eagles will meet NFC East rival, the New York Giants tomorrow night. Unfortunately, the short turn-around time leaves fewer practices for those returning, but those returning are huge assets to the team.
Jackson is likely to start opposite of Travis Fulgham with Greg Ward in the slot. Johnson will return to right tackle, which will cause some movement within the offensive line. Maddox will start opposite of Darius Slay. Riley’s return will provide more depth to the defense, taking some playing time away from Shaun Bradley or Alex Singleton. Given previous weeks, the former is likely.
And to make it even more interesting, since head coach Doug Pederson joined the Eagles in 2016, the Eagles are undefeated on Thursday nights with a 5-0 record.
Two of those wins were against the Giants (2016 and 2018).
Pederson stated, “It’s more of a narrow focus, a laser focus for a couple of days. Focusing in on the game plan. It’s all about mental preparation over the physical”.
One day stands between a new 6-0 Thursday Night Football record or a broken trend. For the Eagles and Pederson’s sake, Philly can only hope some time off provoked a desire to come back stronger.
The Eagles go into Week 7 with a 1-4-1 record.
