Just because the Philadelphia Eagles having a first-round bye doesn’t mean they sit back and relax. The team held the first of two practices this week on Thursday morning.
Since there is no game to be played this weekend, the Birds do not have to issue an official injury report. But there are a few updates to sort through, so we’ll do it on a player-by-player basis.
JALEN MAL
The way the Eagles have been so open about Hurts’ shoulder injury is a bit odd. Nick Sirianni didn’t try to minimize how the quarterback went through a lot of pain in Week 18. Hurts only offered that he felt “good enough” to play in this game.
Coaches and players aren’t always as transparent as the Eagles have been in this situation. So not quite sure what to make sure of that.
The evidence seems to suggest they are honest. Injuries appeared limited on Thursday:
#Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, in his first interview in his locker room and away from the podium, said he wouldn’t be pitching today:
“It’s a good thing there’s a week off.”
Didn’t challenge the notion that it might not be 100 pct. by next weekend, “but I’ve played injured before.” pic.twitter.com/50adK5zbdw
—Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 12, 2023
Yeah. That last line isn’t too comforting.
It’s at least possible the Eagles are trying to play on the severity of Hurts’ injury since Sirianni is so big on the ideas of subterfuge and competitive advantage.
But the thought here is that Hurts is once again going to have to play in pain in the divisional round. Maybe the shoulder will feel better than it did at week 18 after some rest. It is certainly the hope of the Eagles.
It won’t be ideal if Hurts is restricted to training ahead of next weekend’s game. He will undoubtedly be good enough to dress up. It just remains to be seen if he can perform at a high level as a passer and if he can handle a heavy workload as a runner.
JOSH SWEATSHIRT
Sweat returned to training after sitting out last week. He said he expects to be able to play despite having to be stretched off the pitch on January 1. Good news.
The Eagles pass rush appears to be deeper than it has been recently with Sweat and Robert Quinn now both back in the fold.
AJ BROWN
Brown did not practice and was seen wearing a sleeve on his calf. But the Eagles said he was entitled to a day off.
Robert Quinn
Quinn didn’t practice either. Likely a maintenance veteran for the 32-year-old.
LANE JOHNSON
Johnson was not seen training with the team, but he was doing some conditioning work on a side court. The Eagles’ starting right tackle should be available to play in the first playoff game.
AVONT MADDOX
Maddox still doesn’t practice. We’ll see how it goes next week, but the guess here is a NFC Championship The return of the game could be more realistic for him.
The Eagles figure continues to use CJ Gardner-Johnson in the slot with Reed Blankenship playing it safe in a nickel when needed.
ARRYN SIPOSS
In a somewhat unexpected development, Siposs indicated he might be able to play in the divisional round.
Siposs is eligible to return from injured reserve after missing four games. Siposs wasn’t having a good year before his injury, but he was at least just below average instead of downright bad. That last description matches what the Eagles have gotten from Brett Kern so far.
#Eagles Punter Arryn Siposs says he took the boot off his left foot yesterday and hopes he’ll be back in the next game.
He missed the last 4 games with a sprained ankle. pic.twitter.com/wkkNzoV4As
—Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 12, 2023
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