PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Eagles finally got their first win on Sunday, and they will have to continue to rely on their depth if they want to continue with their winning ways.
The Eagles will take on the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sunday after an emotional win in San Francisco last Sunday night. It was a game won with a host of star players sidelined with injuries.
It appears the injury bug will continue to bite the Eagles for much of the season. However, the backup brigade has provided plenty of inspiration, and quarterback Carson Wentz said everybody can feel the energy after a game changing play by one of the reserves.
"You see these guys and how hard they work in practice," said Wentz. "They wait for their opportunity, so it kind of fuels and energizes the entire team to see guys step up and make plays."
The backups will have to continue to make plays over the next several weeks as some of the injuries to the Eagles top players are long-term injuries.
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One area that has been hit particularly hard is the offensive line, where only two of the five original starters remain, and Lane Johnson is playing despite an ankle injury. Coach Doug Pederson said the players are used to dealing with injury issues and are adjusting well on the fly.
"We don't concern ourselves with all the different moving parts because it’s something we've been accustomed to and we prepare our guys that way," Pederson said. "It doesn't matter. It’s kind of a plug and play and guys have handled it extremely well."
One player who continues to be frustrated is DeSean Jackson, who has seen little time on the field this season due to injuries. The speedy receiver only played one full game last season, and Wentz can sympathize with his injured teammate.
"It’s tough," said Wentz. “Injuries are part of this game that is unfortunate. D-Jax, he’s had quite the career, has stayed relatively healthy and everyone knows what he’s capable of doing, so obviously it’s tough not have him out on the field."
There is another concern when it comes to having players on the field: The fear of a COVID-19 spread.
The Tennessee Titans again had players test positive, and another New England Patriot also tested positive for the virus.
Pederson has been happy with the way his players have followed the protocols in place, and will keep reminding his players about the importance of staying safe.
"The message from the league office is we have to uphold the protocols in place that we've been asked to do," Pederson said. "I feel comfortable with what we've done, what our players have done. We just took this long road trip and everything was good. It's something that obviously I have to do my due diligence and keep reminding our team, coaches, players, staff of the protocols that are in place and we can't let our guard down."