Saturday Injury Report
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith returned to practice in a limited capacity on Saturday and is good to go for the Christmas Day game against the Giants. Smith missed practice on Thursday and Friday due to a knee injury.
It will be at least another week before cornerback Avonte Maddox (pectoral) returns from Injured Reserve. Although Maddox was a full participant in practice all week, the Eagles declared the starter in the slot out for Monday's game.
The Eagles will also be without linebacker Zach Cunningham (knee), Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson (thumb), and Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay (knee). The Eagles will get back starting right guard Cam Jurgens, who missed the Monday night game in Seattle with a pectoral injury. He was a full participant in practice all week.
Linebacker Nicholas Morrow did not practice all week with an abdomen injury, but is listed as questionable for the game. Outside of Morrow, the Eagles have Shaquille Leonard and rookie Ben VanSumeren at the off-ball linebacker position.
"He's continuing to progress and you really see his athletic ability," Sirianni said of VanSumeren. "It's on display. He started off on practice squad. We wanted to get him up because of his athletic ability and how that can contribute on special teams.
"Now you're starting to see it play more and more into how practice looks and games. We're really excited about his progression and the things he's done. We're really happy with the room. I mean, the room in general, and even the guys that aren't in the room that are cross-training in the room."
Sirianni added of the reserves at linebacker, "If it's their opportunity, what an opportunity to go out and play against a division rival."
Friday's Injury Report
Cornerback Avonte Maddox says it feels "great, actually" to be back. On the Injured Reserve list after suffering a pectoral injury in Week 2 against Minnesota, Maddox had his 21-day practice window open this week and has participated fully in the first two days of practice.
The Eagles would still have to elevate Maddox to the active roster before Monday's game, but the sixth-year slot cover man who is so instrumental to the defense can't hide his smile.
"I feel like it's been forever, but I've worked hard to get here and I'm ready to go," said Maddox, who said he felt around midseason that he had a chance to return to help the Eagles. "I attacked it and made sure I did the best I could inside the training room so I could get back on the field."
The physical part of coming back, unfortunately for Maddox, has been something he's gone through multiple times in his career, including last season when a foot injury slowed him late in the regular season until the Super Bowl. He knew what to expect there, how to approach the daily grind.
The mental side is always something more challenging.
"Mentally was the tough part, but each and every day I would come in each and every day and work my hardest. The (athletic) training staff was very encouraging, my teammates were very encouraging and so me going to practice and then being on the sidelines watching the games, that was helpful. At first after surgery, I was home after surgery and that was pretty tough for me."
Maddox doesn't anticipate any problems with conditioning, but it could take some time to get into full football shape. How would it feel for Maddox to play on Christmas Day at home against the Giants?
"It would be the greatest feeling in the world," he said. "I love playing the game. I respect the game. I respect the guys and when I'm out there on the field. I wouldn't rather be anywhere else. Anytime I can step back on the field, there will be a big smile on my face."
The rest of the Eagles' injury report was the same on Friday as it was on Thursday. Maddox and guard Cam Jurgens, who was also sidelined on Monday night against Seattle with a pectoral injury, were full participants.
Five players did not practice: linebacker Zach Cunningham (knee), guard Landon Dickerson (thumb), linebacker Nicholas Morrow (abdomen), cornerback Darius Slay (knee), and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (knee).
Slay, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week, explained how he battled for as long as he could through the injury.
"I am not sure of the timetable, but it was something that needed to be done," Slay said. "I have been dealing with it for four years, since I got traded here (in 2020). I have been going through it every day.
"This was best for me at the point, and the team, so to help the team out I'd rather be 100 percent. I was probably on a 30 percent leg for two years. Feeling good now, a lot better."
Thursday's Injury Report
The Eagles held a full practice on Thursday.
Cornerback Avonte Maddox (pectoral) returned to practice today from his long-term injury. Maddox has not played since suffering a pectoral injury in the team's Week 2 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Earlier today, the Eagles opened up his 21-day practice window, designating him for a return from Injured Reserve. He was a full participant at practice.
Guard Cam Jurgens (pectoral), who missed Monday night's game in Seattle, returned to full practice on Thursday.
Linebacker Zach Cunningham (knee) did not practice today. He missed the Seahawks game and did not practice all week.
Guard Landon Dickerson (thumb) also did not participate in practice. Dickerson reportedly had thumb surgery after Monday's game.
Linebacker Nicholas Morrow (abdomen) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (knee) did not participate in practice.
Cornerback Darius Slay (knee) continues to recover after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last week.
The Eagles will be back on the practice field on Friday as they prepare for their Christmas Day game against the New York Giants.
