Eagles Injury Report: Philadelphia will be without two of their top four receivers against Falcons

The Philadelphia Eagles released their second official injury report on Tuesday in advance of their Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Three players did not participate in practice: Alshon Jeffery, Mack Hollins, and Michael Bennett.

We already expected Jeffery not to play against Atlanta since it’s been reported he’ll be back around Week 3. Head coach Doug Pederson had the following to say about Jeffery on Tuesday morning:

“Right now, I’m optimistic, but it’s week-to-week. Again, it’s one of those situations where we get through this game, we’ve got another four, five days before we hit the practice field again. We’ll make another determination next week. But he’s another one that’s getting close.”

Pederson also told reporters that Hollins will not play this week, despite the fact Hollins said on Monday that he WILL be suiting up.

“This week, a little bit of a minor setback. We just made the decision to keep him out of this football game, and then we’ll evaluate after we get a little bit of time after this game.”

NFL insider Adam Caplan reports the Eagles were optimistic about Hollins’ playing chances at this time last week but the “setback” clearly changed things.

With Hollins and Jeffery out, the following Eagles five receivers will likely be active for Thursday’s game: Nelson Agholor, Mike Wallace, Shelton Gibson, DeAndre Carter, and Markus Wheaton.

Agholor, Wallace, and Gibson figure to be the starters. Carter and Wheaton might see some rotational playing time in addition to contributing on special teams.

With the Eagles missing two of their top four receivers, it’s entirely possible we see a lot of two tight end sets with Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert in this game. Also don’t count out the Eagles throwing pass-catching running backs Darren Sproles and Corey Clement into the mix.

In other news, Bennett is a new addition to the injury report. It’s typically not a good sign when a player unexpectedly pop up on the report mid-week like that but the Inquirer reports it’s “nothing major to worry” and he “didn’t get injured in practice.” That’s a relief.

Carson Wentz was limited in practice once again. We already know by now it’s going to be Nick Foles who starts against the Falcons. But it doesn’t sound like Wentz is far off from returning. Pederson said Wentz is “close” to being ready.

Jay Ajayi was upgraded to a full participant in Tuesday’s practice after being limited on Monday. He’s on pace to play against the Falcons.

Richard Rodgers was not listed on today’s injury report because he was moved to injured reserve to free up a roster spot for Markus Wheaton. Rodgers is eligible to be activated to the 53-man roster after Week 8. Note the Eagles have a bye in Week 9 before returning to action in Week 10.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES INJURY REPORT (TUESDAY)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

WR Alshon Jeffery (shoulder)
WR Mack Hollins (groin)
DE Michael Bennett (knee)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION

QB Carson Wentz (knee)

FULL PARTICIPATION

RB Jay Ajayi (foot)

ATLANTA FALCONS INJURY REPORT (TUESDAY)

The only change from the Falcons’ Monday injury report is that long snapper Josh Harris was upgraded to a limited participant in practice after sitting out on Monday. It sounds like Harris will be a game-time decision for Atlanta. If he can’t play, it’ll be Jeff Overbaugh taking over snap duties. Overbaugh has experience so he’ll probably be fine, but hey, you never know. Maybe there’s a timing mistake and the Falcons botch a field goal or a punt and that ends up being the difference in the game. Crazier things have happened.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

OG Ben Garland (calf)

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson (shoulder)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION

LS Josh Harris (hip)

CB Isaiah Oliver (ankle)

FULL PARTICIPATION

SS Ricardo Allen (thigh)

WR Marvin Hall (ankle)

LB Deion Jones (hamstring)

LB Foye Oluokun (ankle)