Bleeding Green Nation
Thursday news and updates.
The Philadelphia Eagles issued their second official injury report on Thursday in advance of their NFC Championship Game matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Thursday marked the Eagles’ first actual practice leading up to Sunday’s game since the team previously held a walkthrough on Wednesday.
The Eagles listed three players under DID NOT PARTICIPATE: Dallas Goedert, Cam Jurgens, and Fred Johnson.
Goedert was seen attending practice but not participating in it. It’s a big loss if he can’t play in this game. Goedert previously had success against the Commanders in Week 11. The Eagles’ backup tight ends also really struggled as run blockers in Week 16. On that point, here’s a relevant stat from NFL Pro:
The Eagles have averaged 6.3 yards per designed run with Dallas Goedert on the field this season (including the playoffs), compared to 4.7 yards per designed run without Goedert.
If Goedert can’t play, the Eagles are down to two healthy tight ends on their roster: Grant Calcaterra and E.J. Jenkins. They also just signed Nick Muse to their practice squad. Perhaps fullback Khari Blasingame could be in the mix?
Jurgens was not present during the media-attended portion of Thursday’s practice. If he can’t play, that’s another hit to the Eagles’ run game.
Philadelphia’s starting offensive line could look like this: LT Jordan Mailata, LG Tyler Steen, C Landon Dickerson, RG Mekhi Becton, RT Lane Johnson.
Dickerson’s NFL experience at center is limited (42 career snaps) but he did play the pivot in college. Steen has previously done a solid job of filling in at both guard positions.
Speaking in the locker room, Dickerson seemed to think Jurgens will be able to play. For whatever that’s worth.
Johnson is listed with “personal matter” next to his name on the injury report. Guessing he’ll still be able to play.
The Eagles listed one player under LIMITED PARTICIPATION: Britain Covey.
Covey was also listed as limited on Wednesday. Perhaps the punt returner is not quite ready to suit up? The Eagles have until 4:00 PM Eastern on Saturday to activate Covey in time to play on Sunday.
The Eagles listed seven players under FULL PARTICIPATION: Jalen Hurts, Quinyon Mitchell, A.J. Brown, Lane Johnson, Josh Sweat, Kenny Pickett and Byron Young.
Hurts was upgraded to full go after being listed as limited on Wednesday. Lane Johnson seemed optimistic about QB1’s outlook.
Mitchell was also upgraded from limited to full. As expected, the rookie cornerback is on track to play against the Commanders.
Brown was upgraded from limited to full. But the Eagles also added “illness” to his designation. Not enough of an issue to prevent him from practicing at all. And perhaps he’ll be feeling better by Sunday.
Johnson and Sweat were also upgraded from limited to full. They’ll be ready to play.
Pickett will be Hurts’ backup with Tanner McKee once again serving as the emergency third quarterback.
The Eagles don’t seem to be in a rush to activate Young from injured reserve....
