Head Coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday morning that he expects wide receiver DeSean Jackson, tackle Lane Johnson, and cornerback Avonte Maddox to play on Thursday night against the Giants. Pederson does not expect wide receiver Alshon Jeffery to make his 2020 season debut, however.
The Eagles will unfortunately not have tight end Zach Ertz (ankle), defensive tackle Malik Jackson (quadricep), and running back Miles Sanders (knee) against the Giants.
Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in Week 3 against the Bengals and has missed the past three games.
"DeSean is closer, had a really good week of practice," Pederson said. "I anticipate him. I anticipate Lane as well. Both had a really good week."
Johnson had surgery during Training Camp to repair an ankle injury, but the injury has lingered into the season. Johnson has been in and out of the lineup this season. He was replaced last Sunday by rookie Jack Driscoll, who exited the game early with an ankle injury of his own.
Maddox suffered an ankle injury in the Week 3 Bengals game and also missed the last three games. Against the Bengals, the Eagles started Nickell Robey-Coleman opposite Darius Slay and moved Jalen Mills back to safety. Mills returned to cornerback for the games against the 49ers and the Steelers.
"He's felt good. I anticipate him being available for this football game," Pederson said of Maddox.
Pederson was asked if there will be any other changes to the starting offensive line other than Johnson's return. Pederson declined to answer. Jamon Brown struggled in his first start as an Eagle at right guard last Sunday.
(UPDATE: Brown was released on Friday afternoon. The Eagles signed tight end Jason Croom off the practice squad to fill the open roster spot.)
Head Coach Doug Pederson didn't offer much clarity on the extensive injury situation at his late-morning press conference on Monday, but the first official injury report of the week later in the day ahead of Thursday night's showdown with the New York Giants sure did.
And it isn't a particularly encouraging picture, but we still have a few days to go before the NFC East battle in prime time. Here is how it looks, impacted position by impacted position.
Running back
Miles Sanders left Sunday's game with a knee injury and did not return. He did not partake in the walkthrough on Monday at the NovaCare Complex. Obviously, his availability is crucial for a unit looking for every bit of offense it can find. Backups Boston Scott and Corey Clement have not been productive through six games but they could have an opportunity here. Also on the active roster is Jason Huntley, added to the team prior to the regular season. Players like Adrian Killins and Elijah Holyfield are on the practice squad and could be elevated to the gameday roster for Thursday night if needed.
Tight end
Dallas Goedert remains out with an ankle injury and now Zach Ertz is a concern. He came limping off the field in the fourth quarter on Sunday with an ankle injury and did not return. He did not practice on Monday amid reports that he could miss multiple weeks. The Eagles have not confirmed those reports. Jason Croom, promoted from the practice squad, caught a 3-yard touchdown pass and Richard Rodgers had three receptions for 31 yards against Baltimore.
Offensive line
Rookie Jack Driscoll (ankle) started in place of the injured Lane Johnson and left Sunday's game with an injury in the fourth quarter and Brett Toth, who has been practicing for a week with the Eagles, finished the game. Neither Driscoll nor Johnson participated in Monday's walkthrough. Right guard Jamon Brown started for Matt Pryor, who is on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, and Brown struggled. Pederson said on Monday that there was a chance that Pryor could come off the Reserve/COVID-19 list, but Pryor remained on the list as of Monday afternoon.
Wide receiver
Both DeSean Jackson (hamstring) and Alshon Jeffery (foot) would have been limited participants if Monday's practice was a full one. Jalen Reagor (thumb) remains out.
Defensive line
Vinny Curry played for the first time since early in the season on Sunday, but the Eagles lost defensive tackle Malik Jackson during the game with a quad injury. Jackson did not take part in Monday's walkthrough.
Linebacker
Two starters are out – T.J. Edwards, who is on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury, and Duke Riley, who has a rib injury. Riley was a limited participant on Monday. Rookies Davion Taylor and Shaun Bradley had some significant snaps on Sunday for the first time.
Cornerback
Avonte Maddox has been out since suffering an ankle injury against Cincinnati. The hope is that he's back soon. He's been a limited participant in practice, as he was on Monday. Thursday would be a great time to return to the lineup.
Safety
Marcus Epps missed Sunday's game with a rib injury just as the Eagles welcomed back Will Parks to the secondary. Epps was limited in Monday's walkthrough. Rookie K'Von Wallace did not participate in Monday's practice after leaving Sunday's game early with a shoulder injury.
