NFL Injury Report: Key starters for Eagles and Giants sit out of practice

The Philadelphia Eagles released their second official injury report on Thursday ahead of their Week 3 game against the New York Giants.

The Eagles’ injury report is exactly the same as the one from yesterday. That’s bad news for Philadelphia because starting safety Rodney McLeod is still not practicing. And neither is McLeod’s backup, Corey Graham. And neither is Graham’s backup, Jaylen Watkins.

And so the Eagles are down to their fourth string option at safety next to Malcolm Jenkins. It seems like Chris Maragos might get the start at that spot. Maybe the Eagles will try to give a few snaps to the newly claimed Trae Elston. Elston, wearing the No. 35 jersey, practiced with Philadelphia for the first time on Thursday afternoon.

At cornerback, with Watkins out, rookie Rasul Douglas is slated to start opposite of Jalen Mills on the outside. Philly will also keep Dexter McDougle on the active game day roster.

The Eagles aren’t the only team in this week’s matchup dealing with significant injuries, however. Three Giants starters were did not practice for the second day in a three: cornerback Janoris Jenkins, right tackle Bobby Hart, and middle linebacker B.J. Goodson.

Jenkins is an especially big loss for New York as one of the team’s better defenders. 2016 first-round pick Eli Apple, Jenkins’ replacement, didn’t play great against the Lions’ receivers on Monday night.

Star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is still limited in practice. After only playing 60% of the Giants’ offensive snaps in Week 2, OBJ said he expects to play “a lot more this week.” It’s been five weeks since he suffered an ankle injury that was expected to involve a six-to-eight week recovery, so it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be.

Rookie tight end Evan Engram is still in the NFL’s mandatory concussion protocol. He must be cleared by an independent doctor before being able to play.

The final Eagles-Giants injury report will be revealed tomorrow on Friday afternoon.

Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report (Thursday)

Did Not Participate

CB Ronald Darby (ankle)
S Rodney McLeod (hamstring)
S Corey Graham (hamstring)
S Jaylen Watkins (hamstring)
DT Destiny Vaeao (wrist)

Full Participation

DE Brandon Graham (triceps)
CB Jalen Mills (thumb)
LB Najee Goode (forearm)

New York Giants Injury Report (Thursday)

Did Not Participate

LB B.J. Goodson (shin)
RT Bobby Hart (ankle)
CB Janoris Jenkins (ankle)
LB J.T. Thomas (groin)

Limited Participation

WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle)
TE Evan Engram (concussion)

Full Participation

LB Keenan Robinson (concussion)