Philadelphia’s injury list continues to grow hours before kickoff in Washington as the Eagles try to snap a five-game skid.
The Philadelphia Eagles made some final roster moves ahead of their Sunday Night Football clash with the Washington Commanders, adding depth at running back and linebacker while losing another cornerback.
Philadelphia elevated running back Elijah Mitchell and linebacker Mason Reiger from the practice squad, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Soon after, cornerback Jakorian Bennett was ruled out, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Bennett has been dealing with a knee injury this week, though he was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. His absence weakens the Eagles’ secondary, as fellow cornerback Jonathan Jones has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Mitchell’s elevation provides some insurance in the backfield. Saquon Barkley returned to practice on a limited basis Friday after missing time with hamstring and back injuries, and he is expected to be available against Washington. However, the Eagles seem to want an additional option in case Barkley is limited.
Mitchell rejoined Philadelphia’s practice squad on Oct. 20, when the team also waived running backs Jaydon Blue and Carson Steele. The former San Francisco 49ers sixth-round pick racked up 1,523 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 27 games with the 49ers before brief stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots.
Meanwhile, Reiger is an undrafted rookie from Wisconsin who was signed to the Eagles’ practice squad in August after being waived by the Miami Dolphins. He gives Philadelphia another body at linebacker with Jihaad Campbell sidelined by hamstring and quad injuries.
The Eagles will also be without wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) and Britain Covey (knee). Smith has not played since Oct. 18. Jalen Hurts remains sidelined with blood clots and is expected to miss the rest of the season, leaving Tanner McKee under center again.
The injuries couldn’t come at a worse time for Philadelphia. The Eagles have dropped five straight games to fall to 2-5, most recently suffering a 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.
The Commanders had their own struggles, sitting at 1-4-1 going into the match. The Eagles defeated Washington 24-22 in Week 1, and will look to complete the season sweep at Northwest Stadium while snapping their losing streak.
The Philadelphia Eagles made some final roster moves ahead of their Sunday Night Football clash with the Washington Commanders, adding depth at running back and linebacker while losing another cornerback. Philadelphia elevated running back Elijah Mitchell and linebacker Mason Reiger from the practice squad, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.