Banged Up Eagles Defense Prepares For Redskins
By Kevin McGuire
The Eagles will be missing a couple of defensive players this weekend as they look to snap their home losing streak in Lincoln Financial Field. Safety Earl Wolff and back-up linebacker Jake Knott have been ruled out by the Eagles for this weekend's home game against the Washington Redskins.
Knott, an inside linebacker, did not practice all week due to a hamstring injury. Knott is the primary back-up to Mychal Kendricks, who is listed as questionable for this weekend's game as well. Kendricks (knee) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but did practice in a full walkthrough on Friday. The depth concerns at inside linebacker could be a concern if the Redskins offense is clicking this weekend. DeMeco Ryans is in good shape and coming off a big game, but if Kendricks is slowed by his knee injury and with Knott out of the mix, the Eagles would have to count on Brandon Graham to fill the inside. Graham has been exposed in that position in the preseason and would be in a tough spot if needed at inside linebacker against the Redskins.
Trent Cole's status has not been made official, but it is probable he plays this weekend. Cole was battling an illness this week, which held him back in practices. If Cole is unavailable or limited, Graham could also be asked to fill in at one of the outside positions, which could be even more of a tough spot for Graham.
The secondary could also be thin this weekend. Wolff (knee) is out after being held out of practice all week, and Patrick Chung (shoulder) is once again listed as probable. Another starter in the secondary, Bradley Fletcher (pectoral), is also up in the air. Fletcher was limited in practices on Wednesday and Thursday and is listed as questionable. The secondary had a good game against the Redskins back in week one, but now they could be put to the test if Robert Griffin III and the rest of the offense is more in sync than they were in the opener.
As for the offense, quarterback Michael Vick is listed as questionable for this weekend's game. Nick Foles is likely going to be the starting quarterback for the remainder of the regular season no matter what Vick's status is, but if Foles needs to be replaced for whatever reason it would be possible Matt Barkley gets thrown in to back-up duty first this weekend before risking any further injury to Vick.
Out
- LB Jake Knott (hamstring)
- S Earl Wolff (knee)
Questionable
- CB Bradley Fletcher (pectoral)
- LB Mychal Kendricks (knee)
- OT Jason Peters (quadriceps, pectoral)
- QB Michael Vick (hamstring)
Probable
- TE Brent Celek (hip)
- S Patrick Chung (shoulder)
- WR Riley Cooper (knee)
- DE Cedric Thornton (knee)
For more Eagles news and updates, visit Eagles Central.
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.
