The Philadelphia Eagles introduced on Thursday that star vast receiver A.J. Brown missed observe with a knee harm forward of their Tremendous Wild Card Weekend matchup towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Eagles are actually and figuratively limping into the NFL playoffs, shedding 5 of their final six video games after a 10-1 begin.
In Week 18, key items like WR DeVonta Smith, working again D’Andre Swift and defensive stalwarts Darius Slay and Fletcher Cox have been sidelined with accidents. Philadelphia nonetheless had an opportunity to safe the NFC East crown with a win plus a Dallas loss, however as a substitute was trounced 27-10 by the lowly New York Giants.
Not solely did the loss assure the Eagles would hit the street for his or her first playoff recreation, however their harm record grew as properly with Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts each selecting up accidents of their very own.
Hurts advised the media he hasn’t tried to throw since his mangled finger compelled him from the Giants recreation.
“Clearly leaving that recreation and making an attempt to return again wasn’t bodily the very best thought,” Hurts stated about his harm. “Time will inform with that, and I can guarantee you every part’s progressing in the suitable means.” he stated when requested if he was bettering.
Whereas the information that Hurts nonetheless hasn’t thrown a soccer since Sunday ought to concern Eagles followers, the harm standing of Brown could possibly be much more vital as soon as the groups take the sphere on Monday evening.
There is a direct correlation between Philadelphia’s success and the manufacturing of Brown this season.
Within the Eagles’ first 11 video games of the common season, Brown posted six consecutive weeks with no less than 127 receiving yards and scored seven touchdowns. After their swoon started in Week 13, Brown eclipsed 100 yards simply as soon as and did not rating.
In Week 18, he made only one catch for 9 yards, which resulted in a misplaced fumble and the knee harm that knocked him out of the sport.
Whereas Smith is reportedly anticipating to play, per Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane, and has proven the power to be a dependable receiver for Hurts, Brown is the engine of the Eagles passing recreation.
The Tampa Bay passing protection acquired uncovered because the weak spot of an otherwise-stingy unit, permitting the fourth-most passing yards per recreation this season. Whether or not it is a hobbled Hurts or veteran backup Marcus Mariota beginning on Monday, they each give the Eagles an opportunity to win so long as they’ve their greatest weapons at their disposal.
Dropping a game-breaker like Brown, who could make nearly any catch if the ball comes his means and take it to the home, could possibly be one other huge blow to the boldness of a group whose reserves are already very low.
