Eagles vs. Bears Final Injury Report: DeSean Jackson among three players ruled questionable

The Philadelphia Eagles issued their third and final official injury report on Friday in advance of their Week 9 game against the Chicago Bears.

Three players have been ruled QUESTIONABLE: DeSean Jackson, Timmy Jernigan, and Andrew Sendejo.

Doug Pederson said he’s “optimistic” that Jackson will return to the starting lineup this weekend. That sentiment lines up with media reports that indicate Jackson will play. When asked if he’ll play this weekend, Jackson said: “That’s the plan right now.” But he didn’t really upbeat about it. Hm. It remains to be seen just how effective Jackson will be as he plays through nagging pain but one would imagine his mere presence should help this offense. Jackson’s at least a theoretical threat, which is more than what can be said for a starting receiver with one reception in his last five games (Mack Hollins). It’d be great to see Carson Wentz and Jackson hit on some deep shots like they did in Week 1. And/or Jackson opening space for the underneath passing game.

Jernigan being able to play is kind of important since the Eagles would otherwise be down to just Fletcher Cox, Anthony Rush, and Albert Huggins at defensive tackle. Cox has been heating up over the past two games and Jernigan returning should only help him.

Sendejo was a new addition to the injury report on Thursday and was limited once again on Friday. Rudy Ford is the only other safety behind Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod on the 53-man roster but Avonte Maddox could also play on the back end.

Two players have been ruled OUT: Nigel Bradham and Jason Peters. Neither participated in practice this week. Perhaps they’ll be able to return right after the Week 10 bye.

Bradham’s absence means Nathan Gerry will start his third consecutive game at middle linebacker. Kamu Grugier-Hill and T.J. Edwards will also see playing time.

Peters being out means Andre Dillard will make his third start at left tackle. Dillard will likely see a lot of Khalil Mack in this matchup. It’ll be interesting to see how much help the Eagles give him. Pederson said Dillard facing Mack is the “biggest challenge of his young career.” Can’t disagree.

The aforementioned Avonte Maddox will play for the first time since Week 4. Pederson confirmed that it’ll be Maddox replacing Sidney Jones as the Eagles’ nickel cornerback. Interesting how Pederson was cagey about the Eagles’ plans in the slot last week (when it was likely going to be Jones) as opposed to being so forthright this week.

Darren Sproles was full go on Friday and isn’t listed on the final injury report, so he’ll play against the Bears. Sproles’ return won’t excite members of the Boston Scott hive but the veteran is the more reliable option at punt returner. Hopefully Pederson doesn’t over overuse Sproles on offense.

Miles Sanders was full go for the second day in a row. He’ll play on Sunday, as expected.

Brandon Brooks was a full participant in Friday’s practice after sitting out Thursday due to illness. He’s good to go.

Note that Eagles cornerback Cre’Von LeBlanc is now eligible to be activated from injured reserve. It’s just a matter of when he’s healthy enough to practice. Maybe right after the bye?

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES INJURY REPORT (FRIDAY)

OUT

LB Nigel Bradham (ankle)
OT Jason Peters (knee)

QUESTIONABLE

WR DeSean Jackson (abdomen)
DT Timmy Jernigan (foot)
S Andrew Sendejo (abdomen)

...

RESERVE/INJURED

RB Corey Clement
CB Cre’Von LeBlanc
DT Malik Jackson
OT Jordan Mailata
DE Joe Ostman
DT Hassan Ridgeway

CHICAGO BEARS INJURY REPORT (FRIDAY)

The Bears’ 53-man roster is almost perfectly healthy. The only player ruled out is backup linebacker and special teams contributor Isaiah Irving.

The Bears did list four starters as limited for Friday’s practice: tight end Trey Burton, wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, safety Eddie Jackson, and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols. None of the players are listed as an official status for Sunday’s game, though, which indicates they’ll play.

Chicago does have some notable names on injured reserve with starting interior defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and starting right guard Kyle Long both out.

OUT

Isaiah Irving (quad)

...

RESERVE/INJURED

OT T.J. Clemmings
DT Akiem Hicks
OG Kyle Long