Head coach Doug Pederson met with the media Friday morning for the final time before the Eagles take on the Seattle Seahawks at Lincoln Financial Field. Pederson addressed the injury situation, starting with All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson, who left the Week 11 matchup against New England with a concussion.
"He's still in the protocol," Pederson said.
The Eagles officially ruled Johnson out on Friday afternoon. Rookie first-round draft pick Andre Dillard has shifted to Johnson's right tackle spot in practice this week. Dillard has spent most of the season as the backup to nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters, so this will be his first game action on the other side of the line. Pederson praised Dillard for a seamless transition to a new position.
"He looks good. Each day he has got better," Pederson said. "He's really settled in. He had a good day yesterday and expect the same today. He's trending in the right direction."
As for the picture at wide receiver, Nelson Agholor did not practice all week due to a knee injury he sustained in the final minutes of the Patriots game. Alshon Jeffery was limited in practice all week as he continues to recover from his ankle injury. Both players are questionable for Sunday. Pederson commented on their ability to play through physical adversity.
"They're both trending in the right direction," Pederson said. "We know in this sport and in this game, you have to play sometimes a little beat up. Both of these guys are tough guys and fully expect that."
Running back Jordan Howard is another playmaker who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. Prior to his injury, Howard had recorded seven touchdowns (six rushing and one receiving) and 525 yards on the ground through nine games. Howard is questionable as the Eagles hope he is cleared for contact prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. kickoff.
"Until he is cleared for contact and I get further updates from our medical team, doctors, right now, he is still day to day and working through the individual portion of practice," Pederson said.
On the other side of the ball, linebacker Nigel Bradham was a full participant in practice all week for the first time since Week 6. Bradham played 28 snaps against the Vikings before exiting the game with an ankle injury.
"It's great to get Nigel back," Pederson said. "It gives us more depth at the linebacker position going forward."
The final player on the injury report is safety Rudy Ford who was limited in practice on Wednesday, but did not practice at all Thursday due to an abdomen injury. Ford did not practice again on Friday and is out. Ford was the third safety in the team's big nickel package last week against New England as well as a key player on special teams.
