The Eagles are preparing for the biggest game of the season, and as usual, they are dealing with injuries to key players.
Speaking Wednesday at the NovaCare Complex, head coach Doug Pederson offered up the following updates on four starters for this Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys:
Lane Johnson:
Pederson said: "Lane is getting better. We'll see. He is kind of day-to-day"
My read: For most players, the idea of playing two weeks after suffering a serious high ankle sprain would be laughable. Johnson, however, has shown he is able to play through pain and return from ankle injuries much quicker than most. Pederson calling Johnson "day-to-day" is encouraging, but he does not sound overly optimistic about Johnson's chances of playing. It is possible Pederson is trying a bit of gamesmanship with the Dallas Cowboys, trying to make them think Johnson won't play. Even if Johnson does play, it is unlikely he practices this week.
Derek Barnett:
Pederson said: "I'd say Derek is getting close. We are going to progress him a little bit further this week, see where he is at.
My read: Of all the injured players, Barnett seems to have the best chance of playing after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. Getting Barnett back is a boost to the defensive line, and it couldn't come at a better time, as the play of the line this week will be crucial both against the run and pass.
Nelson Agholor:
Pederson said: "Status quo right now"
My read: Agholor has been out for two straight games, and it appears that streak will continue. It is unlikely Agholor practices this week as he continues to deal with a knee injury that he admitted last week he has been dealing with since the team's loss to the Minnesota Vikings in October. The good news for the Eagles is that young receivers like Greg Ward have stepped up in Agholor's absence.
Jordan Howard:
Pederson said: "Status quo right now"
My read: Howard, one of the most important players on the offense when he went down with a stinger, has not played in the Eagles' last five games. There was a report he might be able to play this Sunday, but that seems unlikely. The Eagles will continue to give Miles Sanders the majority of the touches out of the backfield.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
