The Philadelphia Eagles are entering Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Baltimore Ravens with several key players dealing with injuries, including two of their most important young defensive backs.
Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell is dealing with a glute injury, while Cooper DeJean has a groin injury. Both players watched Thursday’s practice from the sideline and are unlikely to play Saturday against Baltimore. Their availability for the Eagles’ joint practices next week against the New England Patriots could be more important than their status for the preseason matchup.
The Eagles also continue to be without wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon, who are dealing with hamstring injuries. Both players have now missed seven consecutive practice
sessions. Their absences could become a bigger storyline next week, particularly with A.J. Brown set to line up for the Patriots after his trade from Philadelphia.
If Smith and Lemon remain sidelined and miss a third consecutive week of practice, questions about the Eagles’ wide receiver depth and timing with quarterback Jalen Hurts will naturally grow. The joint practices against New England should provide an important opportunity for the offense to establish rhythm ahead of the regular season.
Several other Eagles also missed Thursday’s session. Cornerback Jonathan Jones is dealing with a shoulder injury, while Tariq Castro-Fields has a heel issue. Running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring), safety Cole Wisniewski (hamstring) and edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle) were also absent.
There was one positive development, as wide receiver Danny Gray returned from a concussion and participated on a limited basis. With Saturday’s game hours away, the Eagles’ biggest concern may not be who plays against Baltimore, but who is healthy enough to return for the critical practices ahead of the game against New England.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles injury report: Latest on key players before Ravens matchup
