The Eagles have released their anticipated status report ahead of this weekend’s showdown with the L.A. Rams. Unfortunately for fans, the good news has all but run dry.
#PHIvsLA Status Report
Out: LB Hicks (calf), DT Jernigan (back), CB Jones (hamstring), G Seumalo (pectoral)
Doubtful: QB Wentz (back)
Questionable: DE Bennett (foot), WR Gibson (wrist), S Maddox (ankle, knee)
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 14, 2018
Carson Wentz becomes the first player this season to be labeled as ‘doubtful’, which is still shocking considering that Doug Pederson stated the estimated recovery time for his back injury is 3 months. Why Pederson would list Wentz as anything other than ‘out’ makes no sense as it’s not as if the Rams, with all the noise blaring around the team, would avoid preparing for Foles to be the starter. Don’t expect Wentz to suit up on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Jordan Hicks is still sidelined in what is ultimately the most important season of his short career. He’s been unable to shed the injury-prone label since being drafted in the third round during the Chip Kelly era, completing just one full 16 game season thus far. A free agent next year, a rough end to the season could carry some heavy implications for both Howie Roseman and Hicks.
As expected, the Eagles will also be without Timmy Jernigan. Haloti Ngata and a band of former practice squad members will make up the supporting cast Fletcher Cox will have to carry on Sunday…although that hasn’t stopped him posting 27 QB hits.
Sidney Jones is absent, as also expected, after being pulled from last week’s harrowing loss with another hamstring problem. The clouds continue to build around Sidney Jones, who has been unable to stay healthy after missing his rookie year.
A surprise addition to the injury report is Isaac Seumalo. This will mean Stefen Wisniewski will regain his place as a starter after being benched earlier in the season. It will be interesting to see how that plays out and whether or not it has any bearing on somehow stopping Aaron Donald.
Michael Bennett has been on an absolute tear recently and easily one of the most valuable players on the entire team from a production standpoint. His questionable status could be problematic at best. Given that the Eagles have already lost Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat, they’ll be hoping Bennett is able to play in a game that could decide the season.
Overall, the Eagles have an abundance of holes already, but they’re not refraining from growing larger and larger. A tall Mountain is only growing harder to climb for Nick Foles and the Eagles this Sunday night.
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
