Eagles’ DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Dontayvion Wicks miss consecutive practices ahead of Cowboys game
The Eagles could be looking at a depleted receiving corps ahead of their Monday night game against the Cowboys.
Two days, two absences for top three Eagles passing targets DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Dontayvion Wicks.
Smith (hamstring), Goedert (knee), and Wicks (ankle) again were absent from practice Friday after not practicing Thursday, the first day of the practice week ahead of the team’s Monday night game vs. the visiting Dallas Cowboys.
The Eagles (2-4) seem to be trending toward some positive injury news when it comes to Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and Landon Dickerson (knee), but their two top receivers and No. 1 tight end missing consecutive practices to start the week puts at least some doubt on their availability for Monday’s game.
» READ MORE: Saquon Barkley hopes for Monday night return to Eagles lineup: ‘I would love to be out there’
Smith returned from a two-game absence in Week 6 to post seven catches on 14 targets for 75 yards and a touchdown. But he is still bothered by a nagging hamstring injury.
The Eagles practice again on Saturday before issuing a final practice report for the week with game designations on Saturday afternoon.
If Smith and Wicks can’t go, the Eagles’ wide receiver corps would consist of Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, and Britain Covey.
Lemon, who has 127 receiving yards through his first six NFL games, is viewing Monday as a big opportunity.
“A couple guys are out, so it’s really just next man up,” Lemon said on Friday, indicating that Smith and Wicks could eventually be ruled out for Monday. “I got a bunch of trust in the guys next to me, trust in the coaches and the game plan. I’m definitely excited for this week’s matchup.”
Lemon’s rookie season has not been normal, all things considered. The offense has dealt with multiple injuries, the retirement of Lane Johnson, the trade of Cam Jurgens, and now the extended, indefinite absence of Jalen Hurts.
“There’s definitely been a lot of curveballs, a lot of things I wouldn’t expect in my first year,” Lemon said. “But I feel like I’m just taking everything as a learning experience.”
Lemon, 22, has 11 catches on 19 targets for 89 yards over the last three weeks.
If Goedert is out, the Eagles could sign Zach Ertz from the practice squad to the active roster, a move they might make regardless of Goedert’s status.
The Eagles have three open roster spots.
If Dickerson is returning — he did take first-team reps at left guard during individual drills on Friday — the Eagles would need to activate him from injured reserve. He has been out since going on IR after Week 1.
Friday Eagles practice report
As usual of late, the Friday practice/injury report was lengthy.
The full report is below:
Did not participate:
DB Michael Carter (abdomen)
TE Dallas Goedert (knee)
OLB Jonathan Greenard (ankle)
WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring)
OLB Nolan Smith Jr. (concussion)
WR Dontayvion Wicks (ankle)
Limited:
RB Saquon Barkley (hamstring)
G Landon Dickerson (knee/pectoral)
OLB A.J. Epenesa (back)
OLB Jalyx Hunt (knee/ankle)
T Fred Johnson (illness)
G Willie Lampkin (illness)
DT Moro Ojomo (abdomen)
G Tyler Steen (shoulder)
Full:
LB Zack Baun (shoulder)
CB Jakorian Bennett (knee)
WR Hollywood Brown (ankle)
TE Grant Calcaterra (back)
LB Jihaad Campbell (wrist)
DT Jalen Carter (wrist)
WR Britain Covey (shoulder)
DT Jordan Davis (shin/thumb)
OLB Arnold Ebiketie (shoulder)
C Drew Kendall (knee)
TE Eli Stowers (quad)
Even with all the injuries and ineffectiveness through six games, Sean Mannion is still a believer in the Eagles’ offense, saying the problems are “totally fixable.” The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Marcus Hayes have some thoughts on the state of Mannion’s group, as well as a defensive unit that’s also been underwhelming this season. Listen here.
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