Eagles Week 9 Injury Report: Vick Out, Foles Returns, Jackson Probable For Raiders
By Kevin McGuire
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Vick (hamstring) has been ruled out for the team's West Coast game against the Oakland Raiders, but Nick Foles (concussion) may be available to step back in to the starting job this weekend.
Vick was the only player definitively ruled out for this weekend's game for the Eagles, but the injury report did get a little longer than it has been throughout the season. The offense may also be without one of their top offensive threats, with wide receiver DeSean Jackson (ankle) practicing this week in a limited capacity after hurting his ankle in last weekend's loss to the New York Giants.
The quarterback situation has been a constant story for the Eagles this season. With Vick and Foles going through a quarterback competition in training camp and the two rotating in and out over the last month, the Eagles may have been put in a tough spot this weekend if Foles was unavailable. Because he suffered a concussion, Foles has been treated with caution before returning to the field. This week, Foles worked his way back and practiced in full practices this week. With Foles available the Eagles avoid having to start rookie Matt Barkley.
Jackson is officially listed as probable for this weekend's game. During practice this week Jackson was only able to participate in limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday, but he did take in a full practice session on Friday before the team updated their official injury report.
The Eagles will need Jackson to be at his best in his return to the west coast because the Raiders defense has been solid this year. Jackson played college football at Cal about 12 miles away from the Oakland Coliseum, so a chance to return to the area may bring out the best Jackson has to offer.
While Jackson may be probable, another wide receiver and special teams contributor is questionable. Damaris Johnson (ankle) is also banged up with his ankle, which could leave the Eagles with a hole returning punts. If that is the case, Brandon Boykin may slide in to handle special teams duties, although Chip Kelly was not willing to shed much light on that this week. Johnson did practice in full practices on Thursday and Friday though, so that may not be a concern.
On defense, safety Patrick Chung (shoulder) and linebacker Casey Matthews (hip) are listed as questionable but both had a full practice on Friday. Chung has been banged up all season with a shoulder problem but he did participate in full practices each of the last three days this week. Linebacker Jake Knott (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but did practice in a full practice on Friday. He is listed as doubtful for this weekend.
The Eagles have a number of players listed as probable for this weekend, including Foles and Jackson. Linebacker Connor Barwin (back), long snapper Jon Dorenbos (groin), punter Donnie Jones (left foot), tackle Jason Peters (shoulder, finger), running back Chris Polk (shoulder) and defensive end Cedric Thornton (knee) are all listed as probable for this weekend.
Out
- QB Mike Vick (hamstring)
Doubtful
- LB Jake Knott (hamstring)
Questionable
- S Patrick Chung (shoulder)
- WR Damaris Johnson (ankle)
- LB Casey Matthews (hip)
Probable
- LB Connor Barwin (back)
- LS Jon Dorenbos (groin)
- QB Nick Foles (concussion)
- WR DeSean Jackson (ankle)
- P Donnie Jones (left foot)
- OT Jason Peters (shoulder, finger)
- RB Chris Polk (shoulder)
- 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.
