Huge Injuries Make Philadelphia Look like a Completely Different Eagles Team
By Danny Cox
The Philadelphia Eagles were in the middle of a 2012 NFL season flight that started descending at a rapid rate. Now, they are in a complete and total nosedive that doesn't look like it'll be slowing down at any time soon. Making matters worse is that the Eagles airplane is starting to shed its parts as well.
Injuries have completely demolished this Eagles squad in recent weeks, and that does not spell good news for Coach Andy Reid. A loss in Monday night's game against the Carolina Panthers could be one that hammers down the final nail in his job's coffin.
While the Eagles still have one more day to submit their final injury report for the week, a few big-name notables have already been ruled out for Monday.
First and foremost, quarterback Michael Vick will likely be ruled out due to a concussion he suffered against the Dallas Cowboys two weeks ago. He has progressed to Phase 2 of the NFL's concussion protocol, but it is still expected that Vick will sit at least one more week.
Rookie Nick Foles will get his second career start for the Eagles.
Running back LeSean McCoy has also been ruled out for Monday night's game due to a concussion. McCoy suffered his concussion against the Washington Redskins this past week in a big 31-6 loss for the Eagles. The speedy back is still only in Phase 1 of the NFL's concussion protocol.
Another running back, Chris Polk, has also been ruled out for Monday night's game for the Eagles. He is a very little used back, but won't even have a chance to play for Philly as he is dealing with an injured toe.
The bad news just keeps on coming for the Philadelphia offense this week as wide receiver Jason Avant has already been ruled out against the Panthers too. Avant is dealing with a strained hamstring that is just not allowing him to even practice so playing in a full speed game is totally out of the question.
Wide receivers Riley Cooper and Mardy Gilyard, defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins, and offensive guard Danny Watkins all fully participated in Friday's practice which is good news for the Eagles. They needed to at least know that some players would be on the field come Monday.
Playing without Vick, Avant, and McCoy is going to completely hinder the offensive production of Philly. Hopefully, Foles will be able to make up for Vick's absence well enough and get plenty of completed passes out to DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek.
As for the rushing game, it is going to be hurting in a big way. McCoy is the team's leading rusher with 750 yards, and guess who their second leading rusher is? You guessed it, Michael Vick.
With another day still left until the Eagles' final injury report must be submitted to the NFL, the status of some of these players could change. It is very likely though that the four names on the "out" list are definitely not playing against the Panthers.
Probable:
- DT Cullen Jenkins (foot/ankle)
- WR Mardy Gilyard (hamstring)
- WR Riley Cooper (knee)
- OG Danny Watkins (ankle)
Out:
- QB Michael Vick (concussion)
- WR Jason Avant (hamstring)
- RB LeSean McCoy (concussion)
- RB Chris Polk (toe)
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
