Eagles Injury Report: Zach Ertz added to the list

The Philadelphia Eagles released their second official injury report on Thursday in advance of their Week 9 game against the Denver Broncos.

The big news is that starting tight end Zach Ertz was added to the report with a hamstring injury. That’s not great. Injuries that happen during the week can jeopardize a player’s chances of playing on Sunday.

The extent of Ertz’s injury is unclear, so it may be too early to panic. Philly really needs him for this game, though. Although the Broncos have a tough defense, they’re vulnerable against tight ends. Denver has allowed the third most fantasy points to that position this season.

Ertz is just a reliable target for Carson Wentz on any given week. He leads the team in targets (64), receptions (43), receiving yards (528), receiving touchdowns (6), and first downs (29).

If Ertz can’t play, Trey Burton and Brent Celek are the only other tight ends on the roster. Undrafted rookie free agent Billy Brown, a converted wide receiver, is on the practice squad.

In other injury news, starting cornerback Ronald Darby was limited in practice for the second day in a row. This confirms he’ll likely be out again this week. One would think he’ll be ready to return after Philadelphia’s Week 10 bye for the Eagles-Cowboys game in Week 11.

All other 51 players on the 53-man roster were full participants in practice on Thursday, including new Eagles running back Jay Ajayi.

Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report (Thursday)

Limited Participation

TE Zach Ertz (hamstring)

CB Ronald Darby (ankle)

Full Participation

CB Patrick Robinson (concussion)

OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai (hip)

DE Brandon Graham (shoulder)

DT Beau Allen (foot)

RB Kenjon Barner (hamstring)

Denver Broncos Injury Report (Thursday)

Denver’s Thursday injury report is identical to Wednesday’s version EXCEPT for starting right tackle Menelik Watson being added to the list as a limited participant. It seems like he hurt his foot in practice.

Watson, who ranks 68th out of 74 tackles by Pro Football Focus, has really struggled this season. The bad news for the Broncos is Watson’s top backup, Donald Stephenson, hasn’t been practicing this week. This could force the Broncos to start old friend Allen Barbre at tackle. Or maybe undrafted rookie free agent and Downingtown, PA native Elijah Wilkinson might have to play. Certainly a situation worth keeping an eye on.

Brock Osweiler is already prone to taking sacks. The Broncos having a weakness at tackle might only enhance that problem for them.

Did Not Participate

OT Donald Stephenson (calf)

Limited Participation

OT Menelik Watson (foot)

ILB Todd Davis (ankle)

OG Ron Leary (elbow)

WR Emmanuel Sanders (ankle)

Full Participation

WR Cody Latimer (knee)

S Will Parks (shoulder)

OLB Shane Ray (wrist)