The Eagles look like they could be without their number one receiver in today’s game against the Bengals. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jordan Matthews didn’t practice on Friday and is likely to miss today’s clash with Cincinnati.
The #Eagles are not expecting WR Jordan Matthews (ankle) to play vs. #Bengals, sources say. He didn't practice on Friday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 4, 2016
In his place, the previously benched Nelson Agholor is expected to be making his return to the starting lineup. After being sidelined last week due to concerns over mental wellbeing, the second year receiver returns as arguably the best route runner on the team.
Following a tough game against the Seahawks and a very personal post-game interview, Agholor sought help from a sports psychiatrist before eventually watching Monday Night’s loss from the sidelines. The Eagles receivers struggled in the absence of both Matthews (who left with injury) and Agholor..and no doubt need all the help they can get.
Agholor has received for 264 yards and a touchdown this season but has been haunted by inconsistencies. It will be extremely interesting to see if since Matthews is the Eagles slot receiver, whether Agholor will line up in that spot for the first time in his career, or if that responsibility falls to undrafted rookie Paul Turner.
Matthews has on the other hand has 686 yards this season, leading the team in receiving. His absence will no doubt hurt a team struggling to maintain consistency through the air..especially given that the four receivers active consist of two undrafted rookies along with a wobbly DGB and Nelson Agholor.
For Agholor, it becomes a prime opportunity to bounce back with a surge of confidence..but all eyes will once again be on a wounded Eagles receiving corps later this afternoon.
