Alshon Jeffery returned to practice this week, but his return isn't imminent, according to Head Coach Doug Pederson.
"I'm optimistic moving forward in the next couple weeks, possibly, but again it just depends on how he does," Pederson said.
Jeffery and Jalen Reagor (thumb) are out for Sunday's game against the Bengals. Pederson expressed confidence in second-year receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, who will have a more expansive role in the offense.
"I've always been confident in J.J. What I like about J.J. is he's a player that we can use in multiple positions. He knows outside. He knows inside," Pederson said. "Smart guy, and someone that we're going to have to lean on a little bit here in these next couple of games."
The Eagles have four healthy wide receivers as of now (Arcega-Whiteside, John Hightower, DeSean Jackson, and Greg Ward) unless they make a call-up from the practice squad by 4 PM on Saturday.
Safety Rudy Ford, who makes his hay on special teams, is also out with a groin injury.
Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox returned to practice on Friday in a limited capacity. He is questionable for Sunday's game with an abdominal injury.
Everyone else is good to go for Sunday.
In Cincinnati, the Bengals will be without All-Decade defensive tackle Geno Atkins, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. The outlook doesn't look good for fellow defensive tackle Mike Daniels, who is questionable with a groin injury and hasn't practiced all week. Safety Shawn Williams is also questionable with a calf injury. He was a limited participant in practice all week.
The Eagles may have lost rookie Jalen Reagor for an indefinite amount of time, but another starting receiver is inching closer to a return.
Alshon Jeffery took part in individual drills during the portion that was open to reporters on Thursday. It's the first time that Jeffery has participated in practice since suffering a season-ending foot injury on December 1, 2019 in Miami. The team will release an full injury report, along with the level of participation, following practice.
The 6-3, 218-pound Jeffery led the Eagles' wide receivers in receptions (43), receiving yards (490), and receiving touchdowns (4) last season despite only playing in 10 games. In fact, Jeffery was injured in his best performance of the season, a nine-catch, 137-yard outing against the Dolphins.
A Pro Bowl selection in 2014, Jeffery was instrumental to the Eagles' Super Bowl win in 2017. Playing the entire season with a shoulder injury, Jeffery led the wide receivers with 789 yards and nine touchdowns. He set the single-season franchise playoff records with 219 yards and three touchdowns on the way to the title.
Reagor suffered a torn ligament in his thumb Sunday against the Rams. The Eagles currently have four healthy wide receivers and could use Jeffery's size and experience in the lineup.
Following practice, Jeffery was officially listed as a limited participant with the foot injury.
Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox missed practice for a second day in a row with an abdomen injury. Safety Rudy Ford (groin) and wide receiver Jalen Reagor (thumb) did not practice and neither will play Sunday.
Everyone else was a full participant.
Wednesday's Injury Report
Despite Sunday's result against the Rams, two players gutted through some tough injuries to the bitter end.
Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and wide receiver Jalen Reagor were hurt during the course of the game, but refused to leave their teammates out to dry.
Cox suffered an oblique injury and is currently day to day. He did not practice on Wednesday as the Eagles want to keep the injury from becoming more extensive. Reagor isn't as fortunate however. He suffered a ligament tear in his thumb, similar to the one that sidelined quarterback Drew Brees for five games last season.
The Cox news is disappointing as the defensive tackle rotation welcomed Javon Hargrave to the mix on Sunday. Reagor's absence hurts as the rookie has shown so much promise in the first two games being able to stretch the field deep and make tough catches in traffic.
There are currently only four healthy wide receivers on the roster in J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, John Hightower, DeSean Jackson, and Greg Ward. Alshon Jeffery continues to be sidelined with last season's foot injury.
The Eagles will also be without safety and special teamer Rudy Ford, who is week to week with a groin injury, this Sunday against Cincinnati.
