October 29, 2021
The Philadelphia Eagles need a win in Detroit against the Lions to avoid a freefall into NFL irrelevancy the rest of the 2021 season, if they're not already there. They'll do so without Miles Sanders, Brandon Graham, and others. The Lions are even more banged up, as a bunch of their best players are on injured reserve.
Here is the final Friday Eagles-Lions injury report, with analysis.
• RB Miles Sanders (ankle/foot): Sanders was carted off last Sunday against the Raiders in the first game this season that Nick Sirianni appeared to prioritize the run game. Sanders' injury isn't season-ending. He'll likely be out for just a few weeks. Kenny Gainwell will start in Sanders' place, with Boston Scott backing him up, and Jordan Howard likely to be a temporary practice squad callup.
[UPDATE: Sanders has been placed on IR and Jordan Howard has been elevated to the active roster.]
• CB Zech McPhearson (hammy): McPhearson has pretty much just been a special teamer this season.
• S Anthony Harris (thumbs/groin): If Harris can't go (and it's expected that he can't), Marcus Epps would likely start. It's also worth noting that the 21-day practice window was activated for K'Von Wallace to come off of IR a week ago.
• WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (back): JJAW still doesn't have any targets this season.
• DE Brandon Graham (IR): Graham's season is over with a ruptured Achilles. On the field, Graham was arguably the Eagles' best defensive player in 2020. It's clear since his loss that the Eagles miss his contributions as a pass rusher and run stopper, and the Eagles have not been able to adequately replace him. Off the field, Graham has unlimited energy and positivity, and he is a player that you just want to have around if you're a head coach in the NFL.
• RG Brandon Brooks (IR): Brooks suffered a pectoral injury against the 49ers. It's "only" a pec strain, as opposed to a tear, so while he'll likely miss time (about 8 weeks, per Lane Johnson) on injured reserve, it's not a season-ending injury.
• LG Isaac Seumalo (IR): Seumalo was carted off the field in the Eagles' loss to the Cowboys. His season is over after having surgery for a Lisfranc injury.
• S K'Von Wallace (IR): Wallace separated his shoulder while trying to tackle Ezekiel Elliott in the first quarter against the Cowboys Week 3. The Eagles activated Wallace's 21-day practice window last week.
• TE Tyree Jackson (IR): Jackson suffered a broken bone in his back during joint practices with the New England Patriots. The Eagles activated Jackson's 21-day practice window last week.
• RB D'Andre Swift: Swift is the Lions' lead back. He hasn't been great on the ground so far this season (78 carries for 262 yards, 3.4 YPC, and 3 TDs), but he is Detroit's leading receiver, with 42 catches for 391 yards and 2 TDs.
• RB Jamaal Williams: Williams, formerly of the Packers, is the Lions' bigger back. 71 rushes, 312 yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 2 TDs. Williams is also a factor in the passing game, with 138 catches in 67 career games. Swift and Williams are actually a pretty nice one-two combo. The next guy up if Swift and/or Williams can't go would be 2021 seventh round pick Jermar Jefferson.
• LB Trey Flowers: Flowers signed a huge five-year, $90 million contract with the Lions in 2019. 10.5 sacks in 27 games with the Lions.
• CB Jerry Jacobs: Jacobs has started the last three games for the Lions. He has 18 tackles, 3 pass breakups and a forced fumble. Jacobs is an undrafted rookie free agent. The Lions are already without 2020 third overall pick Jeff Okudah.
• CB A.J. Parker: Parker has also started three games for the Lions. He is also an undrafted rookie free agent. They're in big trouble at corner.
• C Frank Ragnow (IR): Ragnow was a second-team All-Pro center in 2020. He has been replaced in the lineup by Evan Brown.
• LT Taylor Decker (IR): Starting LT. Rookie first-round pick Penei Sewell has moved over from RT to take Decker's place at LT.
• CB Jeff Okudah (IR): Okudah was the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He ruptured his Achilles Week 1.
• CB Ifeatu Melifonwu (IR): Rookie third-round pick, on IR with thigh injury.
• DE Romeo Okwara (IR): Okwara had 10 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 2020.
• WR Tyrell Williams (IR): Downfield threat for the Chargers and Raiders, who signed with Detroit in 2021. On IR with a concussion.
• WR Quintez Cephus (IR): 15 catches for 204 yards and 2 TDs in 5 games this season.
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