As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for their highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, their first practice report of the week dropped a pair of injury bombshells that could shake up their game plan. Wednesday’s session revealed significant concerns on the offensive front, with three key players sidelined, while a few others battled through limited participation. Here’s a breakdown of the Eagles’ injury landscape as they prepare for Sunday’s showdown.
The Eagles’ offense took a hit with three players unable to practice on Wednesday. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee, still nursing a fractured right thumb, remained out after missing the team’s 24-20 season-opening victory over the Dallas Cowboys. His absence paves the way for August acquisition Sam Howell to step up as the QB2 behind starter Jalen Hurts for the second straight game. The decision to keep McKee off injured reserve signals optimism from the Eagles’ camp, with expectations of his return for either Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams or Week 4 at Tampa Bay.
Joining McKee on the sidelines are two new additions to the injury report: tight end Dallas Goedert and running back Will Shipley. Goedert, fresh off a stellar Week 1 performance where he led the team with seven receptions, is dealing with a sprained knee. His potential absence would elevate Grant Calcaterra as the primary tight end, with Kylen Granson also poised for a larger role. Meanwhile, Shipley, initially reported to have suffered a rib injury in the Cowboys game, is now listed with an oblique issue. His limited availability could restrict his contributions, particularly on special teams.
The Eagles are adapting to their injury challenges with strategic roster moves. Newly acquired running back Tank Bigsby was spotted at practice, already working on kickoff returns. Bigsby could fill the void left by Shipley in the return game as early as Sunday. However, Shipley’s potential absence on offense means veteran A.J. Dillon will likely serve as the primary backup to All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley.
At tight end, the team is also navigating the loss of fullback Ben VanSumeren, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1. Both Granson and practice-squad tight end Cameron Latu have been cross-training at fullback to fill the gap, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility.
On a brighter note, Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson was a limited participant despite exiting the Week 1 game with a back injury. Veteran Brett Toth, who stepped in against Dallas, stands ready to handle any snaps Dickerson might miss. Meanwhile, edge rusher Jalyx Hunt, the only defender on the injury report, also practiced in a limited capacity due to a hip issue. Hunt started opposite Nolan Smith in Week 1, and his status will be closely monitored as the week progresses.
The Eagles’ pass rush, which failed to record a sack in the season opener, could get a significant lift from veteran Za’Darius Smith. Signed earlier this week, Smith is expected to suit up against the Chiefs and bring much-needed firepower to the defensive front. His addition could prove pivotal as Philadelphia looks to disrupt Kansas City’s high-octane offense.
With the Chiefs looming, the Eagles face a critical test of their depth and resilience. The potential absence of key contributors like Goedert and Shipley, combined with the integration of new faces like Bigsby and Smith, will make this week’s practices crucial. As Philadelphia fine-tunes its strategy, fans are left wondering how the team will rise to the occasion in this blockbuster rematch. Stay tuned for updates as the Eagles navigate their injury challenges and prepare to soar into Arrowhead Stadium.