Eagles injury update: Key players miss practice once more initially broadcast on Philadelphia’s NBC Sports
In an effort to get ready for Monday Night Football against the Seahawks, the Eagles returned to the practice field on Friday. However, three important starters were absent.
For the second day in a row, practice was postponed by linebacker Zach Cunningham (knee), right guard Cam Jurgens (pectoral), and cornerback Darius Slay (knee).
Jurgens was there, but he was just watching. He saw the offensive line workouts with reporters present as veteran Sua Opeta rotated between Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson at right guard.
When Steen was on injured reserve earlier in the season, Opeta started four games; however, rookie Tyler Steen ended up starting the final game versus Dallas prior to the bye week. But now that he’s healthy, Opeta is set to start in case Steen is unable to play this week. Should Jurgens be unable to participate on Monday, this will mark his sixth game missed in 2023.
Opeta has participated in 34 games over his career, making 8 starts. Opeta was first signed by the Eagles in 2019 as an undrafted free agent from Weber State.
We’ll see what transpires with Slay, who missed the first two days of last week’s action before showing up on Friday to take part in the match. Nevertheless, the Eagles have eliminated this week
Josh Jobe, Kelee Ringo, and Eli Ricks are some of the young players the Eagles have available if Slay is unable to participate. Without Slay, though, it would be a difficult game for the Seahawks, who have three very good receivers in D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Shaq Leonard, a recent addition to the Eagles, should play a lot more in his second game if Cunningham is unable to play. The Eagles gave Leonard 14 snaps in a rotation with Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow against the Cowboys to get his feet wet. The Eagles would probably start Leonard and Morrow in Cunningham’s absence, with rookie UDFA Ben VanSumeren serving as their primary backup.
Another injury to note from Friday’s practice was Reed Blankenship’s ability to play for the second day in a row despite suffering a concussion. after having an additional day before Monday Night Football, Blankenship may be able to avoid the NFL’s concussion protocol after suffering a concussion in the second quarter against the Cowboys.
The Eagles haven’t ruled out Avonte Maddox (pectoral) making a comeback during the postseason, despite the player being on injured reserve since Week 3. On Friday, Maddox was observed training with a trainer on a side field:
