The Eagles have released their first injury report of the week ahead of this week’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
The main name to note here is Zach Ertz, who didn’t practice with a hamstring setback. Ertz reached 500 career receptions in Sunday’s loss to Seattle, becoming the 2nd-fastest TE in NFL history to reach that mark. His franchise-record of games with 10+ receptions (11) is now tied with Jason Witten for the 2nd-most by a TE since 1950. With 9 catches in 3 consecutive games, Ertz has another record-feather in his cap of being the first player in Eagles history to achieve such a feat.
His presence is even more valuable right now given how lacking the wide receiver production has been. If the Eagles are down to just one tight end this week in a worst-case scenario, it would mean an increased workload for Dallas Goedert and potentially a roster move, or the implementation of guys like Big-V as an extra blocker.
Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor both returned to practice in a limited capacity today, but Pederson stated in his press conference that he expected both to be ‘full participants, which is a little worrying.
Without Jordan Matthews, Pederson also stated that JJ Arcega-Whiteside will get starting WR snaps at WR2 opposite Alshon Jeffery. If Jeffery can’t go, expect another overdue bump for the rookie.
Jordan Howard was also still limited today and could be on track to miss his third consecutive game. “It’s day-to-day. It is going, it is progressing, it’s trending obviously in the right way.” Pederson said earlier this week. “We just have to make sure that he gets his strength back before we can put him back out there.” Expect more of Sanders and Ajayi if Howard is unable to go again.
Lane Johnson has not been cleared for contact yet and is still in concussion protocol, but was able to return in some capacity today. Seeing Jason Peters listed here however, kind of balances that out. It would be assumed that in a worst-case scenario, Dillard would play LT and Vaitai RT.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
