Are These Injuries Going To Effect The Eagles Season?

 As we all know at this moment as Eagles fans, there's been quite a few injuries to the team. Mainly on defense with one big hit on offense. Which we will be talking about. The truth is, and sadly is that injuries unfortunately is part of the game. Now another truth is, that in some cases injuries can cause a whole season to go down the drain. Hopefully that doesn't happen to the Eagles this season. But we have to be honest enough to understand that injuries can derail a team's promise in making it to the big game. But like I said hopefully it doesn't, so let's go ahead and get into my thoughts here. 

Lane Johnsons and other offensive players:

On the offensive side of the ball there's really not many injuries. But two injuries that can cause some issues in the long run. The major one is Lane Johnson. Lane left the game on Sunday with a limp and didn't come back. He was diagnosed with a lateral ankle sprained. We haven't gotten any information at the time of typing this on how long he would be out, or whether he'll be out at all. But I'm guessing he will, now how long? I have no clue. Lane Johnson is a tough player, who can play hurt. He shown us that last year with his abdominal injury. Yet this is still not a good sign. An ankle injury for a lineman can be very bad. It can affect their footwork as well as how much pressure they can put on it. The good thing is that an ankle sprain can heal well and rehabbing it can help big time. So, his time away would suck, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. He would definitely be back and if not one hundred percent, he'll be healthy enough to give the Eagles close to his best.

Outside of Lane Johnson we do have another lineman, which I'll be
honest would be nice to have him back as well. Since he was playing really well and looked promising before getting hurt. Cam Jurgens is now on IR and looking to be back by November 5th. His foot injury was bad enough to sideline him for about a bit more than a month. This loss though it doesn't look as bad as loosing Lane, is still a hit to the offensive line. The reason being is that you can tell that the offensive line was truly starting to gel. And Jurgens talent cannot be understated. Heck, keep in mind that Jason Kelce helped the Eagles pick him. And I trust Jason Kelce and what he thinks. 

Besides the O-Line Quez Watkins is still out and placed on IR as well with a hamstring injury. His presence would be welcomed, but personally I think that Olamide Zaccheaus has played well in his place. The only issue is he's not getting the looks he should be getting. Personally, Watkins out I feel doesn't affect us as much as the injuries to Lane and Cam. But it is a loss in general. Having depth is one of the biggest things in this league that all teams should have. And having one less talented player does cut that depth down. 

Defense beyond hurt:

Now talking about the defense. Let's be real here, there's many injuries on this side of the ball. And in reality, I personally believe that the injuries here will affect the Eagles more. I know the offense is what scores the points. But that isn't always right. A good defense can help the offense score points as well. Plus, they can stop opposing offenses to give the Eagles more chances to score. So, this here I believe hurts the team the most. We've gotten beat up this year on defense. Some of the injuries not so major others costed a whole season or a good chunk. 

The biggest injury on the defense for me at least is losing Avonte Maddox to a possible season ending pectoral injury. This hurts the Eagles bad. Being that our cornerbacks haven't been playing to a higher standard. As well as giving up so many yards in the air. Avonte Maddox may not be a star cornerback in the league. But I would dare to say that he surely is consistent and is really good in the nickel. At the same time, he can play outside. His versatility to play inside and outside with consistency is something that we are really missing to be very honest. Missing him hurts us bad because let's be honest Josh Jobe and Eli Ricks really haven't been able to fill in the hole left by Maddox. As of witting this post though we did just recently signed Josiah Scott and had Bradley Roby in the game against the Jets. How much better are we going to be with Josiah Scott? I have no idea, but I would dare to say not much worse than what we have been recently. 

Outside of Maddox Slay has been injured and didn't play against the Jets, but at least he was limited in practice which is honestly a good sign that he's even practicing. Having him back in general will help. Also, someone that did fully practice was Eli Ricks who got hurt last week against the Jets when he hyper extended his knee which was shown on replay. I know it's the same starters and the players we've had all season. But to get them back healthy would be key to getting us in the right track. Because the reality is the Eagles are already short in talent at cornerback, so to have a healthy cornerback room would be a good thing in general. Still though I believe Howie is better off trading for a cornerback at this point. 

Talking about Roby he did not practice at all with a shoulder injury, and Reed Blankenship which personally I would say is the only bright spot right now in the backend hasn't practice either with a rib injury. Him being out will also put strain on the defense being that he is the one DB that flies around the whole field. 

Jalen Carter with an ankle injury was limited in practice which is a great sign. He has truly been destructive and has become a centerpiece to the Eagles defensive line honestly. Having him out there has put more stress on opposing offenses in both the run and passing game. So, being limited in practice is a good sign, will he play against the Dolphins though? I have no idea, but it's good to know that he's getting closer to getting back on the field. 

Clearly, we have some other players who are on the injury report. Like Milton Williams with an ankle injury and was limited in practice. Sydney Brown who actually had a full practice from a hamstring injury. Which is good news of course. Marlon Tulpulotu who has a triceps injury had a full practice as well.

Conclusion:

All in all, we have some players coming back from injury which is a really good thing. Being thin in any position in this league can truly turn a whole season down. So, getting back our depth and staying healthy is key for the Eagles season to continue to go into the right direction. I will still say though that losing a player like Maddox is going to haunt us all season if we don't get anybody that can match his production when he is on the field. Having cornerbacks that can help the D-Line is very important and vice versa. In this case the D-Line has given the cornerbacks plenty of help. The truth is they've just not playing to the Eagles standard if you personally ask me. Hopefully Howie can make some additional moves and most importantly in the trade space. To get the Eagles some help on the back end of the defense. If he could do that, I can definitely see us not only make it to the big game. But also win it all.