Eagles getting 1 key defensive player back but lost another

Share

The Eagles are getting one key defensive player back but they’ll be without another for Sunday in Dallas.

Here are a few injury updates from Doug Pederson on Wednesday morning:

  • Darius Slay has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol, will be back at practice this week and will be able to play on Sunday against the Cowboys. Slay was unable to clear the protocol last week and did not travel with the team to Arizona.

Getting Slay back will be a big deal for the Eagles as they are set to face a great receiver trio in a second-straight week. Even though he’s been banged up this season, that was just the first game Slay has missed since becoming an Eagle.

  • Josh Sweat injured his wrist against the Cardinals and will not be ready to play against the Cowboys. Pederson said Sweat will “miss some time” so with just two weeks left in the regular season it seems likely that Sweat’s impressive third season is over.

Sweat in 14 games this season (three starts) has 6 sacks, 11 QB hits and 9 tackles for loss. There’s a slight chance the Eagles could win the division and move on to the playoffs; if that happens, perhaps Sweat can get back on the field.

  • Punter Cameron Johnston is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol, which is the only update Pederson was able to provide. Without another punter in the building and with COVID-19 rules in place it appears that if Johnston can’t play, Jake Elliott would punt and Zach Ertz would hold.

Pederson said Johnston is “hopeful” Johnston plays but they have a plan if he can’t.

“We obviously have a plan in case Cam doesn’t make it,” Pederson said. “But, yeah, you saw in the game the other day, I thought Jake game in and did a really nice job being able to handle the punt situations.”

Elliott did a nice job punting on Sunday but the bigger issue might be at holder. Pederson indicated that perhaps the Eagles might go for 2-point conversions more often if they don’t have their normal holder.

  • Jalen Reagor (ankle) is fine and will be back at practice on Wednesday. Reagor was injured in Sunday’s game.

Subscribe to the Eagle Eye podcast:

Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | Art19 | Watch on YouTube

Contact Us