Eagles injury updates: Latest on Donnel Pumphrey, Josh Adams, and others ahead of Browns preseason game

Here’s an update on the Eagles’ injury situation heading into Philadelphia’s preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday evening.

DONNEL PUMPHREY

Pumphrey has been out ever since re-injuring his hamstring (same one as last year) in the Tuesday practice prior to the Eagles’ first preseason game. On Sunday, Doug Pederson confirmed Pumphrey will not play against the Browns.

The good news for Pump is that no one has really seized the fourth running back job during his absence. More good news is that he expects to be back at practice soon and play in the Eagles’ preseason finale against the Jets next week.

It’s interesting to see that Pump is being held out. Maybe the coaching staff likes what they’ve seen out of him and just wants to keep him healthy? I don’t know if I fully buy that conspiracy angle.

Pump certainly looks improved from last year, but that’s not saying a lot considering how little he showed as a rookie. Plus he needs to prove he can stay healthy and he hasn’t done that yet.

JOSH ADAMS

With Pumphrey, Jay Ajayi, and Darren Sproles not playing on Thursday night, the Eagles might only have three running backs who suit up: Wendell Smallwood, Matt Jones, and Adams.

After tweaking his ankle last Monday (8/13), Adams returned to practice today. The undrafted rookie said he plans to play against the Browns.

Adams showed some promise in the Eagles’ first preseason game before missing last week’s tilt. With Smallwood and Jones struggling, and Pump not playing at all, there’s an opportunity for Adams to step up and convince the Eagles to keep him as their fourth running back.

RICHARD RODGERS

Rodgers suffered a knee injury in last week’s Eagles-Patriots game. Pederson described Rodgers as “week-to-week” (as opposed to “day-to-day”), which means he could be out for a decent amount of time.

The effects of Rodgers’ injury were noticeable after Tuesday’s practice.

Rodgers’ injury could force the Eagles to keep four tight ends to start the season. Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert are obvious locks to make the 53-man roster. The fourth spot could come down to Josh Perkins and Billy Brown. Perkins has seemingly been ahead in that battle despite the fact Brown spent last year on the practice squad. Perkins also suffered a head injury last week, though, and it’s unclear if he’ll miss this week’s game.

Veteran free agent tight ends on the market include Brent Celek (who has lost a lot of weight and said he’s leaning towards retirement), Julius Thomas, Coby Fleener, Antonio Gates, and Anthony Fasano. The Eagles could always look to add one of those guys AFTER Week 1 since they’d become vested if they’re on the roster before then.

NICK FOLES

Foles will start against the Browns. The Eagles’ first team unit is expected to play through the first half.

CARSON WENTZ

Will not play against the Browns.

Pederson on Wentz: “He’s doing well. He’s doing well. He’s moving well. He’s making good decisions, throwing the ball extremely well. We talked about his arm the other day being live and fresh. He’s doing the right things with his rehab and have been excited with the stage that he’s in.”

JAY AJAYI

Ajayi has missed the last two days of practice.

Pederson’s explanation: “Lower body [injury] and rest right now.”

BRANDON GRAHAM

Graham was activated from the PUP list on Monday. He’s still not a full participant in practice, though, and he won’t play on Thursday.

Pederson on Graham: “He’s just working himself back in. He’s progressing well, obviously, and just want to make sure he’s ready too for the beginning of the year.”

ALSHON JEFFERY

Jeffery is still on the PUP list. On Monday, he was seen working out on a side field with a helmet on for the first time all offseason. Might be a good sign. It remains to be seen if he’ll be ready for Week 1 but it seems like Jeffery will avoid entering the season on the PUP list, which means he’d automatically be out for six games.

MACK HOLLINS

After recently returning to practice, Hollins might able to play against the Browns but it’s not certain.

Pederson on Hollins: “Mack’s a different story, I think, as special teams comes into play with him. And just for him, it’s just been the rest that he’s getting has really helped him. So hopefully this week, we’ll see where he’s at. He practiced a little bit yesterday and got out there and did some nice things. So he’s progressing and we’ll see where he’s at after today and then make a decision if even Mack is going to be available because he’s another one that, he’s a big part of our special teams units and I want to make sure going forward that he’s also 100 percent to start the season.”

MARKUS WHEATON

Wheaton has been out for a couple weeks now as he’s been dealing with a hamstring strain. The sense is he won’t play against the Browns.

Wheaton was looking like a potential favorite for the sixth receiver job before getting hurt.

BRYCE TREGGS

Expected to miss the rest of the preseason with a hamstring injury.

COREY CLEMENT

Day-to-day. Has been out since Eagles’ first preseason game but is expected to be ready for Week 1.

NELSON AGHOLOR

Day-to-day. Has been out since shortly before the Eagles’ first preseason game but is expected to be ready for Week 1. Agholor was having a fantastic offseason when he was participating in practice.

KAMAR AIKEN

Had to leave the Eagles-Patriots game early with a hamstring injury. Did not practice on Monday. Aiken has been getting first team looks with Jeffery and Hollins out.

JOSH PERKINS

Left the Eagles-Patriots game early to be evaluated for a head injury. Did not practice on Monday.

CHANDON SULLIVAN

The undrafted rookie free agent corner left practice early last Monday after having a strong day. He’s back now. Competing for a practice squad spot.

ASANTAY BROWN

This undrafted rookie free agent linebacker has barely practiced this summer.

CHRIS MARAGOS

Still on the PUP list and no word on when he’ll return.

TIMMY JERNIGAN

Still on the NFI list and no word on when he’ll return.