The Philadelphia Eagles issued their third and final official injury report on Friday in advance of their Week 16 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Three players were ruled OUT: Josh Sweat, Kevon Seymour, and Richard Rodgers.
We already knew Sweat was going to miss this week’s game. The Eagles might opt to put him on injured reserve given how Doug Pederson said he’s going to “miss some time.” Previous players with that designation have missed multiple games. Disappointing to see Sweat injured when he was showing promise. His injury leaves the Eagles with Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Vinny Curry, and Genard Avery as their top four defensive ends.
Seymour was playing a significant role due to the Eagles’ secondary injuries. His absence leaves the Eagles with Darius Slay (returning this week), Michael Jacquet and Nickell Robey-Coleman as the only cornerbacks on the 53-man roster. The Eagles are listing veteran safety Blake Countess as a corner on the practice squad; perhaps they’ll look to elevate him for this week’s game. Slay and Jacquet figure to play on the outside with NRC working in the slot.
Rodgers might be an IR candidate considering how he was carted off the field during last week’s game. The Eagles used a practice squad protection on Caleb Wilson earlier this week so maybe they’ll bump him up to the roster to be the third tight end behind Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz.
Three players were ruled QUESTIONABLE: Fletcher Cox, Cameron Johnston, and Duke Riley.
The Eagles previously listed Cox with a “neck, rest” designation. Cox rarely misses games so I’m guessing he’ll be able to play on Sunday … but we’ll see.
Johnston is still in concussion protocol. He’s not eligible to play until independently cleared. Not ideal if the Eagles are without their punter for this game.
Riley was limited in practice this week. If he can’t play, T.J. Edwards figures to see more playing time alongside Alex Singleton. Shaun Bradley and Joe Bachie are the only other linebackers on the 53-man roster. The Eagles could also look to elevate Rashad Smith from the practice squad if necessary.
The Eagles activated DeSean Jackson’s practice window earlier this week so he’s eligible to return for Sunday’s game. It’s not perfectly clear if he’s healthy enough to suit up. The Eagles have until 4:00 PM Eastern on Saturday to put Jackson back on the roster in time to play against Dallas.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES INJURY REPORT (FRIDAY)
OUT
TE Richard Rodgers (shin)
CB Kevon Seymour (knee)
DE Josh Sweat (wrist)
QUESTIONABLE
DT Fletcher Cox (neck)
P Cameron Johnston (concussion)
LB Duke Riley (bicep)
…
RESERVE/INJURED
OT Andre Dillard
OT Jack Driscoll
LB Nathan Gerry
WR DeSean Jackson (designated to return)
CB Craig James
OT Lane Johnson
CB Cre’Von LeBlanc
CB Avonte Maddox
S Rodney McLeod
TE Josh Perkins
OT Jason Peters
DT Hassan Ridgeway
LB Davion Taylor
RESERVE/PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO PERFORM
OG Brandon Brooks
RESERVE/RETIRED
LB Jatavis Brown
RESERVE/OPT-OUT
WR Marquise Goodwin
DALLAS COWBOYS INJURY REPORT (FRIDAY)
No real surprises for the Cowboys.
Starting linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, starting safety Xavier Woods, and starting defensive tackle Antwaun Woods are all out.
Ezekiel Elliott is expected to play despite being ruled questionable. The Eagles will hope the Cowboys waste touches on Zeke instead of making the more efficient Tony Pollard their lead back. No. 2 tight end Blake Bell is expected to play despite missing practice all week due to illness.
Important to remember that the Cowboys’ injured reserve list includes key starters like Tyron Smith (starting left tackle), Zack Martin (starting right guard), and La’el Collins (starting right tackle). The Eagles really need their defensive line to eat in this matchup.
OUT
DB Rashard Robinson (knee)
LB Leighton Vander Esch (ankle)
DT Antwaun Woods (ankle)
S Xavier Woods (ribs)
QUESTIONABLE
TE Blake Bell (illness)
RB Ezekiel Elliott (calf)
…
RESERVE/INJURED
CB Deante Burton
OT La’el Collins
OT Cameron Erving
DT Trysten Hill
OT Mitch Hyatt
TE Blake Jarwin
P Chris Jones
LB Azur Kamara
LB Justin March
OG Zack Martin
QB Dak Prescott
CB Saivion Smith
OT Tyron Smith
RESERVE/OPT-OUT
CB Maurice Canady
WR Stephen Guidry
FB Jamize Olawale
Probably worth noting here that Washington Football Team ruled Alex Smith questionable and Terry McLaurin doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers. Eagles need to beat Dallas AND see Washington lose this week in order to set up a potential NFC East championship game in Week 17.
