Eagles injury update: Jordan Howard downgraded to out for Dolphins game

The Philadelphia Eagles downgraded Jordan Howard to OUT after previously listing him questionable on Friday’s injury report, according to an official announcement from the team.

Howard not playing against the Miami Dolphins doesn’t come as a surprise. As of Friday morning, Doug Pederson said the Eagles’ leading rusher still hadn’t been cleared for contact.

Howard’s been dealing with a shoulder injury — Pederson described it as a “stinger” — that he originally suffered during the Eagles’ Week 9 game against the Chicago Bears. Howard was limited in practice all week leading up to the Eagles’ past two games before being ruled questionable on the final injury report each time. He was then ruled out once inactives were announced. So, that’s a difference this time; Howard is now being ruled out a day before the game.

Howard’s absence means the Eagles will have Miles Sanders, Jay Ajayi, and Boston Scott active at running back. Sanders figures to see a bulk of the touches while Ajayi will likely have a smaller role against his former team.

In addition to being without their leading rusher, the Eagles might also be without their leading receiver against the Dolphins. Zach Ertz is questionable to play and the Eagles promoted tight end Joshua Perkins from the practice squad.

The Eagles shouldn’t need Howard and Ertz to beat a 2-9 Dolphins team. But not having them available isn’t ideal.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES INJURY REPORT (SATURDAY)

OUT

RB Jordan Howard (shoulder)

QUESTIONABLE

TE Zach Ertz (hamstring)

...

RESERVE/INJURED

RB Corey Clement
S Rudy Ford
WR DeSean Jackson
DT Malik Jackson
OT Jordan Mailata
DE Joe Ostman
DT Hassan Ridgeway
RB Darren Sproles