The Eagles will head down to Dallas this weekend to finish off their season series with the Dallas Cowboys. They will need to earn a victory and hope that the Carolina Panthers beat the Washington Football Team if they want their playoff hopes to stay alive. They'll be going into Sunday's game with some injuries though. Here's a look at their final injury report:
LB Duke Riley (bicep): Riley has a unique role as a starter on defense and a prominent role on special teams. Shaun Bradley, Joe Bachie, or practice squad call-up Rashad Smith could all chip in to take Riley's snaps.
TE Richard Rodgers (ankle): Rodgers hasn't had much playing time since Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert are both healthy now. Practice squad call-up Caleb Wilson will be the third tight end on Sunday.
CB Kevon Seymour (knee): Seymour tried his best to contain DeAndre Hopkins last week and it just didn't work out, but you could at least see the effort there. UDFA Grayland Arnold will likely take over Seymour's snaps.
DE Josh Sweat (wrist): Sweat is the most important player on this week's report. Vinny Curry should see a big increase in playing time. Genard Avery could also see some playing time as well.
DT Fletcher Cox (neck): Knowing Fletcher, he'll play as long as he is able to move all his ligaments. If for some reason he is inactive or has limited snaps, then Javon Hargrave and Malik Jackson should see increases in their snap counts.
DE Derek Barnett (calf): Barnett was a late addition to the injury report, meaning that he likely suffered this calf injury in Thursday's practice. With Josh Sweat already ruled out, Vinny Curry is expected to gain a lot of playing time. Genard Avery could see an increase in snaps if Barnett can't suit up or is on a pitch count.
P Cameron Johnston (concussion): So far the Eagles haven't brought in any free agent punters for workouts, which could bode well for Johnson's availability. However, if he can't clear protocol in time the team might ask Jake Elliott to punt again on Sunday. Doug Pederson would likely call more 4th down offensive plays too in this scenario.
The Cowboys are also banged up heading into this rivalry game. Here's a look at their final injury report:
TE Blake Bell (illness): Bell is the backup tight end behind Dalton Schultz. e hasn't gotten much action this season, catching just 10 passes for 103 yards while playing 31% of the offensive snaps. UDFA Sean McKeon (53 career offensive snaps) is the third-string tight end and would be promoted if Bell can't play.
RB Ezekiel Elliott (calf): Even though he's listed as questionable Elliott is expected to suit up. If he is still limited with his injury then Tony Pollard (863 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns -- 29 career games) will get the bulk of the snaps.
CB Rashard Robinson (knee): Robinson is a backup cornerback for the Cowboys, playing just 186 snaps so far this season. He also missed last week's game with this knee injury. C.J. Goodwin (265 defensive snaps in 2020) or rookie Chris Westry (nine defensive snaps in 2020) could see some time on the field with Robinson remainining out.
LB Leighton Vander Esch (ankle): LVE is the starting middle linebacker for the Cowboys and he has dealt with a cluster of injuries this season (and his whole career). Veteran Sean Lee (792 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 14 interceptions, 30 passes defended -- 116 career games) is likely to get the bulk of the snaps. Joe Thomas (202 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, 10 passes defended (80 career games), and Francis Bernard (five tackles -- 11 career games) could also get some snaps as well.
DT Antwaun Woods (ankle): Woods has been thrust into a starting role at defensive tackle with Trysten Hill injured for the season and the team releasing Dontari Poe after a disappointing first few weeks of the season. A combination of Neville Gallimore (22 tackles -- 12 career games), Eli Ankou (30 tackles, 1.5 sacks -- 25 career games), and Justin Hamilton (12 tackles, 0.5 sacks -- 12 career games) will likely split the workload.
S Xavier Woods (ribs): Woods is the starting free safety, and had only missed one snap in the season prior to leaving the last game early with this ribs injury. Darian Thompson (166 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions -- 57 career games) is likely to get the majority of the snaps with Woods out.
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