Injuries On Offensive Line Continue As Eagles Head To Indianapolis
By Kevin McGuire
It was a rough season opener for the Eagles, and the challenge heading to Indianapolis on Monday night is not going to be an easy one. The Eagles head into the second week of the season facing serious concerns on the offensive line and some questions with the depth at the wide receiver position. As if the Eagles were not already up against a wall facing an AFC playoff team playing its home opener and looking to shake off a season-opening loss, the injury concerns for Chip Kelly and his team are nothing to take lightly.
The Eagles had to shuffle the offensive line this week following a couple of injuries on the line in the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Right tackle Lane Johnson continues to serve his suspension for another three games, including Monday night, but the Eagles also lost reserve lineman Allen Barbre (broken leg). Starting left guard Evan Mathis (knee) is out of action until at least Week 10. The concerns on the line will continue this week with Matt Tobin having to sit out of practices this week due to an ankle injury.
The depth at wide receiver is also a concern for the Eagles, with two receivers appearing on the injury report for the team this week. Josh Huff (shoulder) did not participate in practices this week and may be limited at best Monday night when the Eagles take on the Colts. The good news is he is the only receiver to appear to be limited this week, and that has allowed rookie Jordan Matthews to move up the depth chart and get a chance to start for the Eagles Monday night. Although he is playing just his second NFL game, Matthews carries great expectations in this offense and should have a chance to make some plays happen. Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper will remain the top two targets for Nick Foles for now, but Matthews should prove to be worthy of some targets as well.
The other receiver on the injury report this week is Brad Smith (groin). Smith was available for full practices earlier this week and should be available without much concern on Monday night to give Maclin, Matthews or Cooper a breather if needed.
Backup running back Chris Polk (hamstring) and cornerback Jaylen Watkins (hamstring) each participated in full practices this week but will be eased back into the mix at their positions until all hamstring concerns are eased. The Eagles could benefit from having Watkins back to full speed more than Polk, as LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles are the team’s top two running backs anyway. But against the Colts, having as healthy a secondary as possible would be good for the Eagles.
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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.
