The Philadelphia Eagles released their first official injury report of the week on Wednesday ahead of their Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
The Eagles have listed seven players under NOT PARTICIPATING: Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, Drew Kendall, Jonathan Greenard, Jihaad Campbell, Marcus Epps, and Hollywood Brown.
Barkley suffered a hamstring injury during the Eagles’ Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He is said to be “week after week.” Barkley is expected to be unavailable against the Jags but is not expected to be placed on injured reserve, meaning the Eagles expect him to return before he misses four games. With Barkley likely out and Tank Bigsby on injured reserve, the Eagles have two running backs on the roster: Will Shipley and Dameon Pierce, who was called up from the practice squad on Wednesday. They still have Carson Steele and Jaydon Blue on the practice squad.
Smith was seen stretching on the sideline while the rest of the team warmed up together. It looks like he will miss this game but maybe he has a chance to come back in Week 6? Let’s see.
Kendall’s knee injury is a new development. If he can’t play, the Eagles will have to go with their third different starting center in five games this season. Willie Lampkin could get the nod to pivot to … Fred Johnson? Jake Majors? Micah Morris? … at left guard. Not exactly perfect.
Greenard suffered an ankle injury in Week 4. He was reportedly “every day,” which is usually less serious than “week-to-week.” Let’s see if he can practice on Thursday. If not, he’ll probably miss Sunday. But he could be back by Week 6.
Campbell is listed with a knee injury. If the second-year linebacker can’t settle, look for Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to start in his place. There were calls for the Eagles to bench Campbell in favor of Trot Jr. When asked about Trot Jr. earlier this week, Fangio said he “played very well.” Then asked if Trot Jr. gives more playing time, Fangio said: “Possibly, yes.”
Epps could miss a second straight game. If that’s the case, look for Michael Carter II to play safety in the Eagles’ nickel packages alongside Andrew Mukuba. Cooper DeJean is still starting at safety in Philly’s base defense. Kenny Moore II will provide depth on the back end as he gets more accustomed to playing the new position.
Brown is on track to miss his third straight game. If he wasn’t ready to play by Week 6, the Eagles would have wasted his roster spot by only placing him on IR to miss four games. If both Brown and Smith don’t play, the Eagles will run with the following five receivers: Dontayvion Wicks, Darius Cooper, Makai Lemon, Britain Covey, and Elijah Moore.
The Eagles listed four players under LIMITED PARTICIPATION: Quinyon Mitchell, Zack Baun, Dallas Goedert, and Fred Johnson.
Mitchell suffered a knee injury in Week 4 that prevented him from returning to the game after he left. Looks like he’ll be fine this week. Or next week at the latest. If not, it will be seasoned veteran Jonathan Jones starting in his place.
Baun missed Week 4 while in the concussion protocol. That he has progressed to the point where he may be limited in practice bodes well for his playing chances this weekend. Baun and Trot Jr. may starting at off-ball linebacker. It would be a big boost for the Eagles defense to get Baun back.
Goedert returned to practice for the first time since the knee injury in Week 2. He could play against the Jags. If so, the Eagles could have four tight ends active for Sunday: Goedert, Johnny Mundt, Zach Ertz, and EJ Jenkins. It will be interesting to see how that snap count plays out.
Fred Johnson returned to practice after missing the Eagles’ last two games. With Markel Bell seemingly in line to start for the recently retired Lane Johnson, Fred Johnson could serve as the Eagles’ swing tackle behind Bell and Jordan Mailata. Or Fred Johnson could possibly start at guard if Kendall can’t play and they have to fill in with Lampkin moving to center.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES INJURY REPORT (WEDNESDAY)
RB Saquon Barkley (hamstring)
WR Hollywood Brown (ankle)
LB Jihaad Campbell (knee)
S Marcus Epps (groin)
EDGE Jonathan Greenard (ankle)
OL Drew Kendall (knee)
WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring)
LB Zack Baun (concussion)
TE Dallas Goedert (knee)
OT Fred Johnson (knee)
CB Quinyon Mitchell (knee)
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS INJURY REPORT (WEDNESDAY)
The Jags were missing just one player Wednesday: starting safety Eric Murray, who is in the concussion protocol.
Among the seven limited players for the Jags is Pro Bowl pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen. All of these players could be fine for Sunday. We’ll see how they progress (or not) over the next couple of days.
S Eric Murray (concussion)
CB Montaric Brown (hamstring)
DT DaVon Hamilton (foot)
OL Anton Harrison (elbow)
EDGE Josh Hines-Allen (groin)
CB Jarrian Jones (foot)
CB Jourdan Lewis (hamstring)
OL Cole Van Lanen (knee)
RB LeQuint Allen Jr. (hip)
WR Jakobi Meyers (thumb)