Eagles injury report: Things are looking up for depleted Defense

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The Eagles released their second injury report of the week today and luckily for the Defense, fortunes may finally be changing. The full report can be seen below:

Did Not Participate In Practice

Wednesday
DT Fletcher Cox (calf), CB Ronald Darby (ankle), S Corey Graham (hamstring), DT Destiny Vaeao (wrist), S Jaylen Watkins (hamstring)

Thursday
DT Fletcher Cox (calf), CB Ronald Darby (ankle), S Corey Graham (hamstring), DT Destiny Vaeao (wrist), S Jaylen Watkins (hamstring)

 

Limited Participation in Practice

Wednesday
C Jason Kelce (knee)

 

Full Participation in Practice

Wednesday
LB Jordan Hicks (ankle), S Rodney McLeod (hamstring)

Thursday
LB Jordan Hicks (ankle), C Jason Kelce (knee), S Rodney McLeod (hamstring)

 

The good news here is that the quarterback of the Eagles Defense has now been a full participant in two consecutive practices. Hicks has 11 tackles this season but his presence in Jim Schwartz’s scheme is felt throughout the locker room. Simba’s rule over the Animal Kingdom will likely continue on Sunday if Hicks continues to participate as expected.

The same can be said for Rodney McLeod, who like Hicks has been a full participant all week. After missing the week three win over New York, McLeod is expected to return on Sunday to face the Chargers. Chris Maragos filled in for the former Rams Safety against the Giants, but McLeod has become an integral part of the Eagles Defense since joining last offseason. The Eagles are still missing both Jaylen Watkins and Corey Graham, but if McLeod returns then the team’s starting Safety tandem is back in tact.

Jason Kelce returned to full participation after being limited yesterday with a knee injury.

There is still a lot of uncertainty on the Defensive line. Fletcher Cox remains sidelined with a calf injury, while Destiny Veal’s wrist injury could see him miss another game. If Cox does miss Sunday’s game against the Chargers, it will end a streak of 61 consecutive starts.

The Eagles would go into the game with Timmy Jernigan, Beau Allen and rookie Elijah Qualls, but have an emergency plan in Justin Hamilton on the practice squad if they feel pressed for depth.

 

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports