Injury Woes Mount for Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have been hit with a rash of injuries in recent weeks, casting doubt on their depth and lineup heading into a pivotal matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
While the team received some good news on one key player, concerns remain over the status of two other starters. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox was able to return to practice this week after missing the previous game with a lower-body injury. However, the availability of wide receiver DeVonta Smith and offensive lineman Lane Johnson remains uncertain.
Smith, the Eagles' leading receiver, is nursing a hamstring issue that kept him out of the team's last outing. Johnson, a stalwart on the offensive line, is also dealing with an unspecified injury that has his status in question for the Vikings game.
Hurts' Passing Game Under Scrutiny
Beyond the injury front, the Eagles have faced criticism over the development of quarterback Jalen Hurts' passing attack. Despite Hurts' athleticism and running ability, the second-year signal-caller has yet to consistently showcase the passing prowess the team needs to complement its potent ground game.
ESPN analyst Field Yates noted that Hurts' passing performance has "fallen short of what the Eagles need" as the offense has sputtered at times. With a tough matchup against the Vikings' stout defense on the horizon, Hurts and the passing game will be under the microscope once again.
TL;DR
- The Philadelphia Eagles are dealing with several key injuries, including uncertainty around WR DeVonta Smith and OL Lane Johnson
- DT Fletcher Cox was able to return to practice this week after missing the previous game
- QB Jalen Hurts' passing game has been a point of concern, as the Eagles look to get their offense back on track
- The Eagles face a tough test against the Minnesota Vikings as they try to navigate their injury issues and get their passing attack in order