Eagles Banged-Up Defense Could Be Down Three Starters Vs Giants
By Kevin McGuire
Two key defensive players are listed as probable for the Philadelphia Eagles heading into this weekend's NFC East rivalry match-up against the New York Giants. Defensive back Brandon Boykin and defensive end Fletcher Cox are each listed as probable on the latest injury report by the Eagles. Safety Patrick Chung is listed as questionable. The Eagles list no offensive players on the injury report.
Chung was limited in practices all week with a nagging shoulder injury. It is not likely he will be used much in the game anyway with his recent struggles on the field. A shoulder injury should keep him on the back burner for at least one more week. Kurt Coleman or Earl Wolff could be used as a replacement if Chung is not available.
Boykin was limited in practices on Wednesday and Thursday but was able to get in a full practice session on Friday, making it appear that he will be active on Sunday in the Meadowlands. Boykin has been listed second on the depth chart at both defensive back positions behind Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams, but losing him as an option in the secondary, which will be tested against a desperate Eli Manning and Giants passing offense, could hurt if he is not available.
There was no practice update on Cox for Wednesday or Thursday, but he did put in a full practice on Friday to ease some concerns about his status. Having Cox on the line should be a benefit for the Eagles this weekend as the defense looks to find a way to shut down the struggling running game of the Giants and bring pressure in the backfield to force Giants quarterback Eli Manning to make some mistakes. Cox is the starting right defensive end for the Eagles, but if he is not able play, the Eagles could go with Vinny Curry. Curry entered the year with some optimism but has yet to have a great impact on the team.
Probable:
CB Brandon Boykin – shoulder
DE Fletcher Cox – quadriceps
Questionable:
S Patrick Chung - shoulder
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Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
