/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56882533/603983822.0.jpg)
The Philadelphia Eagles released their first official injury report on Wednesday ahead of their Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The bad news is that five players did not practice: defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, cornerback Ronald Darby, safety Corey Graham, safety Jaylen Watkins, and defensive tackle Destiny Vaeao.
Cox’s absence is especially concerning. He left Sunday’s Eagles-Giants with a calf injury and was seen limping around the NovaCare Complex on Tuesday. The Daily News is reporting Cox is unlikely to play this week. And maybe even longer.
Teammates expect Fletcher Cox to miss two or three weeks
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) September 27, 2017
With Cox potentially out and Vaeao injured, the Eagles are down to only three defensive tackles: Tim Jernigan, Beau Allen, and rookie Elijah Qualls. Philly also has Justin Hamilton, who played well this summer, on the practice squad.
The GOOD news for the Eagles is that Jordan Hicks and Rodney McLeod were full participants on Monday. Hicks had to leave the Eagles-Giants game early due to an ankle issue. McLeod, meanwhile, ruled out of Week 3’s matchup due to a hamstring issue. It seems like both players are now on pace to play against the Chargers.
McLeod’s return is especially important because it means the Eagles won’t have to start their fourth string safety, Chris Maragos, on the back end. Maragos is still the top backup, however, with Graham and Watkins still not practicing.
Jason Kelce was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Doug Pederson said he was resting the veteran center. Kelce did have a sleeve over his right leg, however, and he’s listed on the official report with a knee injury.
Pederson did address Darby’s status on Wednesday. The Eagles’ head coach noted Darby is still on track to return in the original four-to-six timeline that was reported. If that’s the case, Darby should only be out for two-to-four more weeks.
Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report (Wednesday)
Did Not Participate
CB Ronald Darby (ankle)
DT Fletcher Cox (calf)
S Corey Graham (hamstring)
S Jaylen Watkins (hamstring)
DT Destiny Vaeao (wrist)
Limited Participation
C Jason Kelce (knee)
Full Participation
LB Jordan Hicks (ankle)
S Rodney McLeod (hamstring)
Los Angeles Chargers Injury Report (Wednesday)
For the Chargers, starting running back Melvin Gordon did not practice. Starting right tackle Joe Barksdale was limited.
Did Not Participate
RB Melvin Gordon (knee)
LS Mike Windt (not injury related)
Limited Participation
OT Joe Barksdale (foot)
WR Mike Williams (back)
MLB Hayes Pullard (knee)