Eagles' fears with Jason Peters, Jordan Hicks injuries confirmed

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The biggest win of the season didn't come without a couple huge losses. 

The Eagles confirmed some bad news on Tuesday afternoon: Linebacker Jordan Hicks and left tackle Jason Peters are out for the season.

Hicks ruptured his right Achilles two snaps into the Eagles' 34-24 win over the Redskins on Monday Night Football. Peters was carted off in the second half with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. Head coach Doug Pederson confirmed both injuries on Tuesday afternoon. 

Go ahead and add them to the growing list of important players injured this season. 

"They rally around the guys that are hurt, No. 1, support them," Pederson said. "But at the same time, we still have a lot of football left. We still have a game this Sunday and the season's not over." 

The two key injuries were the only downside to the Eagles' win Monday night, which gave them a commanding lead in the NFC East and a great shot at nabbing a first-round bye. At 6-1, the Eagles have the best record in the NFL. 

Halapoulivaati Vaitai will take over for Peters at tackle. It's unclear yet whether Vaitai will play left tackle or swap positions with right tackle Lane Johnson, but it seems very possible Big V will simply take over for Peters on the left side. Pederson mentioned how well Johnson is playing at right tackle and there are plenty of very good pass-rushers coming -- Von Miller, Khalil Mack -- who generally rush on that side. 

Pederson said he will meet with offensive coordinator Frank Reich and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland later on Tuesday or Wednesday morning to formulate a plan.

As for tackle depth, it appears for now that versatile lineman Isaac Seumalo would be the next tackle up, while Dillon Gordon could be signed from the practice squad. Pederson said the team will also explore options outside of the building.  

Losing Peters is a huge blow for the Eagles, as shown by the entire team going on the field to wish him well. 

"It just shows the love and respect the guys have for him," Pederson said. "And the chants in the crowd from the fans, (it) was breathtaking to experience that for a guy that means a lot to this organization and to this community, this city. His blood, sweat and tears have been on that practice field and game field for a long time. Lot of Pro Bowls. It's just the love that everybody has for him and to see that yesterday was pretty awesome."

On defense, the Eagles play about 70 percent of their snaps in nickel, meaning only two linebackers are on the field. Nigel Bradham and Mychal Kendricks (who missed Monday's game with a hamstring injury) figure to form that duo moving forward, with Joe Walker and Najee Goode filling in on base downs. The Eagles also have recently-called up Nate Gerry on the roster. 

Still, losing Hicks is obviously a huge deal. He's not only a very good player but is the quarterback of the front seven, responsible for aligning the linebackers and linemen. 

While Kendricks missed Monday's game, Pederson said the veteran linebacker was close to playing and thought a few more days of rest would do him good. Once thought to be a possible trade chip, the Eagles will need him back for the rest of the season. 

As for Ronald Darby, Pederson said the cornerback is "getting close." Darby will practice again this week. He hasn't played since dislocating his ankle in the opener. 

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