The Philadelphia Eagles have a growing list of problems heading into Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Eagles’ offensive issues have taken up most of the headlines since their Week 6 loss to the New York Giants, and the Vikings decided to throw another one on the pile as they haven’t named a starter leading into Sunday’s game.
But the Eagles’ best approach is to control what they can control, including the recovery of cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. After getting hurt in last week’s loss in New York, many Eagles fans were holding their breath before a matchup with Justin Jefferson. Thankfully, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports put those worries to rest after reporting that Mitchell was one of several Eagles who returned to practice on Wednesday.
Eagles’ Defense Catches a Break as Quinyon Mitchell Returns to Practice
Jalen Carter (heel) and Landon Dickerson (ankle) were also among the group that returned to practice, but Mitchell’s presence may have been the most important. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio drummed up more concern when he said it “remained to be seen” whether Mitchell would play, but it appears they are on track to have his services on Sunday.
In his second year out of Toledo, Mitchell has stepped up as Philadelphia’s top outside cornerback, allowing 18 catches for 168 yards with two pass breakups on 18 targets according to Pro Football Focus. While Mitchell also has three penalties compared to four in his rookie season, his passer rating when targeted has gone from 80.2 to 61.5, and he hasn’t allowed a touchdown after allowing four last season.
No matter whether it’s McCarthy, Wentz, or rookie UDFA Max Brosmer under center, Mitchell was needed going up against Jefferson. While the Vikings have shuffled quarterbacks, Jefferson has continued to remain consistent, catching 29 passes for 449 yards and a touchdown and averaging 2.57 yards per route run this season.
The Vikings also have a second weapon at receiver in Jordan Addison. While he missed the first three games due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, he has made an impact in each of his two games, hauling in an 81-yard reception in a Week 4 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the game-winning touchdown from Wentz in the final minute of a Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns.
If Mitchell wasn’t able to go, it would have shifted everyone on the depth chart up a spot. While Cooper DeJean would be a suitable assignment for Jefferson or Addison, the Eagles have struggled to find a third corner with Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson unable to seize the job.
The Eagles may still have to worry about that if Mitchell plays, but it’s better to just have one struggling cornerback on the field instead of having both try to slow down one of the top receiving duos in the league. It looks like a problem Philadelphia will be able to cross off its list before Sunday’s game and hope that it leads to a victory in Minnesota.