Philadelphia Eagles Update: Dorenbos Done, Sproles Dazed, and More.

The 2016 NFL season has been far from ideal for the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase. Monday’s injury update probably won’t raise many spirits either.

Sunday’s defeat at the hands of the Washington Redskins further cemented the amount of growing pains associated with the Wentz-Pederson era in Philly. The process continues to be one requiring patience and diligence both within the organization and among the loyal fans of this franchise.

While these games provide valuable experience for the squad learning to gel as a unit, experience cannot mend the physical toll it has taken on numerous members of this Philadelphia Eagles‘ team.

Monday’s reports have revealed that the team’s starting long snapper and best magician Jon Dorenbos has been ruled out for the season after injuring his wrist in yesterday’s 27-22 loss to their NFC East rivals. The 36-year old veteran had featured in 162 straight games for the Birds as a consistent anchor for a special teams unit that has been one of the sole bright spots of this campaign.

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Sources indicate that John DePalma will be one of the names considered for the vacant starting position. The 23-year old out of West Virginia featured in training camp for the Philadelphia Eagles and looks to be their most viable option for the remainder of the season.

On the offensive side, Darren Sproles remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol after taking a late hit in the 4th quarter while fielding a punt. Redskins safety Deshazor Everett was responsible for the contact that ended with Sproles’ head hitting the ground hard, eventually ending with him leaving the game. The ensuing reaction from Eagles’ players was certainly not unwarranted as many viewed the play as a “cheap shot” which resulted in an on the field scuffle between both sides.

While it does not appear that the tenured back will miss significant time, the backfield for Philadelphia will certainly be hindered with reports of rookie running back Wendell Smallwood suffering a  Grade 2 MCL sprain which could potentially end his season should it be a lingering issue throughout the week.

Potential replacements on the first team squad include increasing the workload of 27-year old Kenjon Barner and activating practice squad back Byron Marshall.

The effects of Lane Johnson‘s suspension earlier this season have certainly been felt in regards to the patchwork offensive line that has been tasked with protecting rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. Matt Tobin, the Philadelphia Eagles fourth choice at right tackle, was the subject of much criticism after allowing a free play on Wentz that resulted in the game-ending fumble recovery by Washington.

It turns out the 26-year old tackle suffered the same level MCL sprain that took Smallwood out of the game which in turn could prove detrimental to the safety blanket for Carson Wentz. Ultimately, rookie guard Isaac Seumalo will have to shift over to right tackle while Josh Andrews will reportedly take first-team snaps at right guard.

The injury bug was also caught by cornerback Jaylen Watkins who was diagnosed with a torn ligament in one of the fingers on his left hand. With a sure set of hands being a requirement for professional secondary players, this will most likely end the season for the third year DB out of the University of Florida.

Next: The Eagles Must Answer The Lane Johnson Question

With four roster spots now being potentially open, the Philadelphia Eagles organization has much work to do in their preparations for Sunday’s game in Baltimore. While Philadelphia is “mathematically” still alive in the hunt for the playoffs, the trend of recent form, thin personnel, and broken spirits constitutes for a miracle-like chain of events to occur in order for playoff football here in the city of brotherly love.