The official injury report for the Philadelphia Eagles in advance of their Week 18 game against the New York Giants has been issued, and it reveals the status of several players. DeVonta Smith and Darius Slay have both been ruled OUT for the game. Smith sustained an ankle injury during Week 17, marking the first NFL game he will miss due to injury. The team is, however, remaining optimistic about his prospects for the wild card game. In the meantime, they have A.J. Brown, Julio Jones, Quez Watkins, and Britain Covey available at wide receiver, with the possibility of temporarily elevating Greg Ward or Joseph Ngata from the practice squad for more WR depth.
As for Slay, it was initially reported that he would return before the end of the regular season, but the Eagles may be giving him an extra week to recover since the game against the Giants may not hold much significance for them in terms of the playoffs. It is expected that Slay will be back for the Eagles’ wild card game.
The only player listed as QUESTIONABLE on the injury report is D’Andre Swift. He was limited in practice on Friday due to illness, but the team may consider resting him, especially since they have alternative running back options in Kenny Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Rashaad Penny. However, it would be surprising if Swift were to miss the game due to an illness.
Among other players listed on the injury report this week, Jordan Davis, Zach Cunningham, Avonte Maddox, and Haason Reddick were all full participants in Friday’s practice.
The injury report for the New York Giants was also issued, and it reveals that starting safety Jason Pinnock has been ruled out for the game. Rookie starting cornerback Deonte Banks is doubtful to play, while rookie starting center John Michael Schmitz is listed as questionable after being limited in practice on Thursday and Friday.
Looking beyond the specific game statuses, the injury report also includes a list of players on various reserve lists or those who are suspended. For the Eagles, the following players are listed as being on the reserve/injured list, with varying timelines for their potential returns: LB Shaun Bradley, LB Nakobe Dean, S Justin Evans, OT Roderick Johnson, and CB Zech McPhearson. Notably, there is no timeline for the return of Dean, while Evans is out for the season. Bradley, Johnson, and McPhearson will miss the entire 2023 season since they were placed on IR ahead of roster cuts to the 53-player limit. Additionally, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers is listed as being on the reserve/suspended by commissioner list, with a suspension that extends through the entire 2023 season due to gambling.
As for the Giants, the injury report includes a list of players on the reserve/injured list, including RB Gary Brightwell (designated to return), K Randy Bullock, TE Lawrence Cager, LB Jarrad Davis, OG Joshua Ezeudu, WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton, K Graham Gano, C J.C. Hassenauer, QB Daniel Jones, OG Shane Lemieux, OT Evan Neal, and OT Tyre Phillips. Additionally, cornerback Aaron Robinson is listed as being on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
Overall, the injury report provides valuable information for both teams as they prepare for their upcoming game. It outlines the availability of key players, highlights those who are dealing with injuries or illnesses, and provides insights into potential roster moves or elevations from the practice squad to address depth issues at specific positions. The status of players on reserve lists or those who are serving suspensions also offers a comprehensive view of the roster dynamics for each team. This information is crucial for coaches, players, and fans alike as they anticipate and strategize for the game ahead.
