The Philadelphia Eagles will be without cornerback Jakorian Bennett for Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Washington Commanders after the team officially downgraded him from questionable to out Saturday.
Philadelphia announced the decision one day after Bennett was listed as a full participant in Friday's practice. The fourth-year defensive back has been recovering from a knee injury and remains on injured reserve, delaying his potential season debut for another week. Bennett practiced fully Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, an encouraging sign in his recovery. However, the Eagles did not activate him to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's NFC East matchup at Northwest Stadium. The 25-year-old cornerback has worked toward his return since Philadelphia opened
his 21-day practice window Oct. 14. The Eagles also ruled Bennett out ahead of Monday night's 38-21 loss to Dallas, despite his full participation in practice. Philadelphia Eagles+1
His absence leaves Philadelphia with six players officially ruled out against Washington.
Wide receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring), Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) and Britain Covey (knee), linebacker Jihaad Campbell (hamstring/quad) and cornerback Jonathan Jones (hamstring) were ruled out Friday. Bennett's downgrade adds another concern for a secondary preparing to face Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has been managing a left elbow injury but practiced fully during the week.
Philadelphia will continue relying on Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Cooper DeJean and its remaining defensive backs to handle coverage responsibilities. Michael Carter II, who has been dealing with an abdomen injury, practiced fully on Friday and received no game-status designation.
Bennett's absence also delays an opportunity for the Eagles to evaluate their cornerback depth as Philadelphia attempts to end a five-game losing streak. The Eagles enter Sunday at 2-5 following consecutive defensive struggles, including Monday's loss to Dallas, when Philadelphia allowed 38 points and failed to record a sack or quarterback hit.
Although Bennett's full practice participation suggests progress, his status still depends on the team's decision to activate him from injured reserve.
Philadelphia will face Washington at 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC, looking for its first victory since Week 2.
Updated Eagles players ruled out vs. Washington
Total: Six players ruled out.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles downgrade CB Jakorian Bennett to out vs. Commanders
