Just when it seemed like the Philadelphia Eagles' offense may have turned a corner in the Week 7 win over the Minnesota Vikings, an injury twist may have thrown a wrench in their hopes to build a winning streak before heading into the bye week. AJ Brown, who unexpectedly emerged on the injury report on Wednesday with a hamstring injury, just missed his second straight practice on Thursday. This puts his status against the New York Giants in serious jeopardy.
Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that Brown was at least doing some work on the sidelines with a trainer. This could suggest that he is not that far from being ready to play, especially considering that The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reported on Wednesday that Brown is "tracking toward playing Sunday."
There is a real chance that the Eagles will want Brown to get an additional week of rest. Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, and with the bye week coming right after, letting it fully heal rather than risking re-aggravation makes some sense. If the Eagles and Brown decide to go that route, an offseason addition for Philadelphia may be in line to make his debut.
Terrace Marshall Jr. May Make His Eagles Debut in Week 8
Terrace Marshall Jr. signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in April, but was released after the preseason as part of the roster cuts. He was signed to the practice squad, but hasn't had a chance to be elevated yet. In his two preseason appearances with the Eagles, Marshall showed signs of what made him a coveted prospect who was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He put up seven catches for 66 yards.
Without Brown, the Eagles would only have four wide receivers on the roster. Marshall is one of three WRs on the practice squad roster who may be elevated to the game day roster on Sunday, along with Quez Watkins and Britain Covey. The former has extensive experience playing in this offense, and the latter has special teams value as a return man, making them potentially more likely to be elevated as the WR5. Yet, considering the offensive struggles all season, head coach Nick Sirianni and OC Kevin Patullo could very well prefer to go with the less certain, potentially higher upside option in Marshall.
Regardless of whether Brown suits up or who replaces him, all eyes will be on the Eagles' offense once again. Desperate to get revenge against the Giants after their embarrassing loss in Week 6, the Eagles will have to be locked in to avoid their offense being the biggest talking point in the NFL for two weeks during their bye.