Eagles injury report: Defensive concerns begin to fade, backfield questions arise

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The Eagles have released their second injury report of the week ahead of their week five matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

Did Not Participate In Practice

Wednesday

DT Fletcher Cox (calf), CB Ronald Darby (ankle), DT Timmy Jernigan (heel), RB Wendell Smallwood (knee)

Thursday

DT Fletcher Cox (calf), CB Ronald Darby (ankle), RB Wendell Smallwood (knee)

Limited Participation in Practice

Wednesday

DT Destiny Vaeao (wrist)

Thursday

DT Destiny Vaeao (wrist)

Full Participation in Practice

Wednesday

S Corey Graham (hamstring), LB Jordan Hicks (ankle), S Rodney McLeod (hamstring), S Jaylen Watkins (hamstring)

Thursday

S Corey Graham (hamstring), LB Jordan Hicks (ankle), DT Timmy Jernigan (heel), S Rodney McLeod (hamstring), S Jaylen Watkins (hamstring)

The biggest takeaway here is that Timmy Jernigan has returned to practice. The newly signed defensive tackle has done more than just make his mark since stepping onto the field for the first time as an Eagle and with the current DT depth a little wobbly, his return to full participation is beyond encouraging.

Fletcher Cox missed practice again and Destiny Vaeao was limited. There are still questions over the DT unit, but the position was able to survive without their franchise powerhouse last week due to a committee effort from Beau Allen, Elijah Qualls, and Justin Hamilton. With Jernigan now looking likely to play on Sunday, we can expect much of the same.

The secondary is finally able to breathe some fresh air too. Watkins, McLeod and Graham were ALL full participants today, taking much of the weight off the shoulders of Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Maragos. The Eagles Safety position may be at full strength yet again this weekend. It will be intriguing if that is the case, to see if Watkins steps in at cornerback as he did previously, or resumes duties at Safety.

In the backfield, the Eagles are still without Wendell Smallwood. Smallwood has shown durability problems throughout his short career, with his rookie season being cut short due to an injury setback too.

The second-year slasher has shown plenty of potential and has already amassed 113 yards and a score this season. If the WVU product is sidelined on Sunday, the Eagles will be forced to rely upon the tandem LeGarrette Blount and Corey Clement. With Sproles and Pumphrey already injured, can the Eagles backfield survive with three of five backs who made the roster sat on the sideline? Will they opt to call up someone from the practice squad or seek free agent help? Only time will tell.

 

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports