Just because the Philadelphia Eagles have a first-round bye doesn’t mean they should sit back and relax. The team held the first of two practice sessions this week on Thursday morning.
With no game taking place this weekend, the Birds don’t have to issue an official injury report. But there are some updates to sort through, so we’ll be doing this on a player-to-player basis.
Jalen hurts
The way the Eagles have been so accommodating about Hurts’ shoulder injury is a bit odd. Nick Sirianni tried not to downplay how the quarterback went through a lot of pain in Week 18. Hurts only offered that he felt “good enough” to play in that game.
Coaches and players aren’t always as transparent as the Eagles are in this situation. So, not quite sure what to ensure for that.
Evidence seems to indicate they are honest. The pain seemed limited on Thursday:
#Eagle QB Jalen Hurts said in his first interview in his dressing room and off the podium that he would not be throwing today:
“Good thing there’s a bye week.”
Didn’t deny the perception that he couldnt be 100 pct. until next weekend, “but I’ve played injured before.” pic.twitter.com/50adK5zbdw
—Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 12, 2023
whoops That last line isn’t too reassuring.
It’s at least possible that the Eagles are trying to play down the seriousness of Hurt’s injury since Sirianni relies so heavily on the ideas of subterfuge and competitive advantage.
But the thought here is that Hurts will have to play through pain again in the divisional round. Maybe after some rest, the shoulder will feel better than it did in Week 18. That’s certainly the Eagles’ hope.
It won’t be ideal if Hurts is restricted in training ahead of next weekend’s game. He will no doubt be good enough to pass. It remains to be seen if he can perform at a high level as a passer and handle a significant workload as a runner.
JOSH SWEAT
Sweat returned to training after sitting out last week. He expects to be able to play despite having to be carried off the field on January 1. Good news.
The Eagles’ pass rush appears to be deeper than it has been lately with Sweat and Robert Quinn both back in the group now.
AJ BROWN
Brown was not training and was spotted with a sleeve down his calf. But the Eagles said he was getting a rest day.
Robert Quinn
Quinn wasn’t practicing either. Probably an old maintenance day for the 32-year-old.
LANE JOHNSON
Johnson was not seen training with the team, but he did do some conditioning drills on an ancillary field. The Eagles’ starting right is expected to be available in the first playoff game.
AVONTE MADDOX
Maddox is still not practicing. We’ll see how it goes next week, but suggesting an NFC Championship game return here might be more realistic for him.
The Eagles are looking to continue using CJ Gardner-Johnson in the slots game, with Reed Blankenship playing nickel safety when needed.
ARRYN SIPOSS
In a somewhat unexpected development, Siposs hinted that he could potentially play in the divisional round.
Siposs is eligible to return from injured reserve after missing four games. Siposs wasn’t having a great year prior to his injury, but he was at least just below average and not outright bad. The latter description fits what the Eagles have gotten out of Brett Kern so far.
#Eagle Punter Arryn Siposs said he got the boot off his left foot yesterday and hopes he’ll be back by the next game.
He missed the last 4 games with a sprained ankle. pic.twitter.com/wkkNzoV4As
—Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 12, 2023