Eagles vs. Falcons Final Injury Report: Rodney McLeod ruled out

The Philadelphia Eagles issued their third and final official injury report on Friday in advance of their Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Two players were ruled OUT: Rodney McLeod and Landon Dickerson.

McLeod has been limited in practice since coming off the PUP list. He’s still making his way back from the ACL injury he suffered in December last year. McLeod’s absence is significant since 1) the Eagles don’t have proven depth behind him and 2) the Falcons have some passing weapons that’ll challenge Philly’s secondary.

On the first point, it’ll likely either be K’Von Wallace or Marcus Epps starting in the veteran captain’s place. Wallace is thought to have more upside but he didn’t do much to stand out in camp besides dealing with a groin injury. Epps has more experience than Wallace but is a limited talent.

It’s currently unclear how much longer McLeod will be out. Perhaps he’ll be able to return in the next week or two. Even if that’s the case, though, one must wonder how long it could take him to get to 100%. McLeod wasn’t at his best in 2019 when he came off a 2018 ACL tear. It took him until 2020 to get back on track. Will the 31-year-old be able to recover more quickly this time around?

Dickerson has been limited in practice since coming off the PUP list. He’s still making his way back from the ACL injury he suffered in December last year. He could eventually become the top interior backup offensive lineman later this season but for now he’s still ramping up to return. Nate Herbig is likely the top backup at guard and center in the meantime.

One player was ruled QUESTIONABLE: Davion Taylor.

The second-year linebacker was limited on Wednesday and Thursday before being full go on Friday. Taylor isn’t expected to have a major defensive role even if he does play considering he missed so much time in training camp. He could at least play on special teams.

Brandon Brooks is set to start at right guard despite being limited in practice all week. Good news.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES INJURY REPORT (FRIDAY)

OUT

OL Landon Dickerson (knee)
S Rodney McLeod (knee)

QUESTIONABLE

LB Davion Taylor (calf)

...

RESERVE/INJURED

TE Jason Croom
T/G Jack Driscoll
TE Tyree Jackson
CB Josiah Scott
WR Michael Walker

RESERVE/COVID-19

DT T.Y. McGill

ATLANTA FALCONS INJURY REPORT (THURSDAY)

The Falcons are starting rookie third-round pick (No. 68 overall) Jalen Mayfield at left guard with Josh Andrews (yes, formerly of the Eagles) going on IR. Could be a huge mismatch going up against Fletcher Cox.

Atlanta’s 53-man roster is healthy.

...

RESERVE/INJURED

OL Josh Andrews
TE Ryan Becker
TE Jaeden Graham
QB AJ McCarron
DL Deadrin Senat
DB Kendall Sheffield

RESERVE/PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO PERFORM

OT Matt Gono

RESERVE/COVID-19

TE Parker Hesse