Eagles Get Big Reed Blankenship Injury Update on Thursday

The Philadelphia Eagles will attempt to prevent a three-game skid when they visit the Seattle Seahawks for Week 15's Monday Night Football showdown. Nick Sirianni's team needs all hands on deck to avoid another loss, meaning it'd be a huge boost if safety Reed Blankenship is healthy enough to suit up.

The second-year defender exited Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys with a concussion and didn't return. With how scary head-related injuries can be, Eagles fans wondered if Blankenship would be healthy enough to face the Seahawks.

Fortunately, the 24-year-old's latest injury update has him trending in the right direction.

Eagles News: Reed Blankenship Injury Update

The Philadelphia Inquirier's Jeff McLane reports that Blankenship was present and wearing pads at Thursday's practice session. Eagles beat writer Chris Franklin later confirmed that the former Middle Tennessee State product even participated in the team stretching session.

Even though Blankenship is confirmed to be playing on Monday, his presence proves that he's advancing through the NFL's concussion protocol. For those unfamiliar with the process, a concussed player must advance through the five following steps to be physically cleared:

1. Symptom-limitedSymptom limited activity (stationary bike, treadmill, etc.)
2. Aerobic exercise (at least 20 minutes on a stationary bike)
3. Football-specific exercises (non-contract drills like cone drills)
4. Club-based non-contact training (any non-contact activities with teammates)
5. Full football activity clearance (full practice participation without restrictions)

Considering how Blankenship was stretching with his team, it's safe to say that he's likely at the fourth step of the process. Fortunately, the Eagles playing on Monday means he has an extra day to clear protocol. Time will tell if he can make a full recovery in time.

Philadelphia's secondary has been terrible lately, allowing an average of 299.3 passing yards and 12.5 yards per reception over the last three games — both the second-worst in the NFL during that stretch.

Blankenship, who was signed as an undrafted rookie in 2022, has been one of the Eagles' better defenders this season. He currently leads the team with 84 tackles (59 solo) and has also racked up 10 broken-up passes and a pair of interceptions while holding quarterbacks to a 92.8 passer rating when targeted.

That's without mentioning how he's Pro Football Focus' 14th-highest-graded safety out of 91 players and leads all Philly defenders with a 75.7 coverage grade.

Whether or not Blankenship can suit up for MNF, things look promising for Sirianni & Co. As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Eagles as 4-point favorites over the Seahawks at Lumen Field.

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