Three Key Eagles Unable to Practice on Thursday

The injury bug has not been kind to the Philadelphia Eagles this season. They’ve managed to start the year 3-0 regardless, though, and appeared to be getting healthier heading into Week 4.

However, three key players were unable to practice on Thursday, including wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

The Alabama product sat on the sidelines due to an illness, joining safeties Sydney Brown and Justin Evans, who were DNPs for the second straight day.

Smith is the biggest name here, but his might be the smallest concern. Several Eagles players said they were under the weather on Monday Night Football, yet no one was forced to sit out. Though it’s clear something is going around the locker room, there’s no reason to panic unless Smith is sidelined through the weekend.

Brown and Evans not making any progress is a legit worry. Brown is nursing a hamstring injury, and those are notoriously fickle when it comes to recovery. Every situation is different, so there’s no clue if the rookie will be able to suit up in Week 4.

Evans, meanwhile, is dealing with a neck issue. He was forced the leave the team’s MNF win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and did not return.

Both safeties being sidelined to begin Week 4 preparations sets this secondary up to be incredibly shorthanded barring significant developments. A DNP by either on Friday would likely lead to them being ruled out early, while even a limited session would far from guarantee them being good to go on Sunday.

If neither Brown nor Evans can play against the Washington Commanders, that’d leave Reed Blankenship and Terrell Edmunds as the only two healthy safeties currently on the roster. Of course, Philadelphia could call up Triston McCollum from the practice squad to bolster its depth, or possibly move one of its many cornerbacks over instead.

The secondary being far from 100% would put an extra importance on the pass rush being on top of its game this Sunday. The good news is the Eagles have plenty of talent to change the game off the edge, and Washington’s been abysmal at pass protection in the early going, so it could be a long day for Sam Howell even if Brown and Evans don’t suit up.

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