The Eagles and Carolina Panthers both will be anxious to return to the field for different reasons when they face off Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia.
The teams enter the matchup on different routes.
The Panthers (2-2) had last week off, while the Eagles (2-3) have returned home after losing 19-17 in frustrating fashion to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
“Our job is to find ways to win, regardless,” said Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, whose team owns a three-game losing streak. “At this point, we’ve lost more than we’ve won so we haven’t done a good enough job.”
Philadelphia’s task got even harder on Thursday when the team announced that Jalen Hurts will sit out the game due to a superficial blood clot in his leg.
“On Thursday, October 8th, Jalen visited the training room after practice requesting treatment for his calf. He informed the medical staff he had been cleated during the Rams game on October 4th,” the Eagles said in a statement. “This was his first treatment session for the calf injury following the game, after having practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, Jalen received treatment, practiced in full, and was added to the practice report.
“Out of an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday following the team’s flight to London and walkthrough. The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot. Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.”
Hurts completed 21 of 40 pass attempts for 220 yards with one touchdown in Philadelphia’s 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Per the Eagles, Hurts played without limitation in that game and received treatment on Monday and Tuesday and participated fully in practice on Wednesday.
“On Wednesday night, a follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the small blood clot,” the Eagles said in a statement. “Jalen will be out for Sunday’s game vs. the Panthers as we determine the appropriate course of treatment. His health and safety are our highest priority.”
Backup Tanner McKee is expected to be under center on Sunday.
McKee, 26, has not played in a game this season. He has thrown for 597 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in six career games (two starts) with the Eagles.
McKee will face a Panthers team that has no shortage of energy.
“The guys are fresh,” coach Dave Canales said. “We’ve got things to clean up, for sure.”
The Eagles are banged up at running back, with Will Shipley (foot) the latest to land on the injury report after scoring a touchdown vs. Jacksonville.
Saquon Barkley’s availability remains in question. Barkley and receiver DeVonta Smith, both with ailing hamstrings, also sat out practice Wednesday.
Sirianni indicated Wednesday that the Eagles would take plenty of time leading up to the game to determine the availability of some players.
Newcomer Dontayvion Wicks is Philadelphia’s leading receiver with 260 yards.
The Eagles have only seen a rusher gain more than 55 rushing yards on two occasions this season, with Barkley picking up 82 at Chicago and 83 vs. Washington.
The Panthers have gained confidence at times across the first month of the season, but quarterback Bryce Young said that must be generated again after what he called a good week of self-evaluation for the team.
“I think we have to re-establish (the confidence) every week through practice,” Young said.
The Panthers addressed several areas during their extra time for preparation.
“We have to find consistency in our run game on the offensive side,” Canales said. “Defensively speaking, making sure that we’re able to corral the quarterback and contain (him) in our rush. We’re getting great pressure. Let’s make sure that it stays that way.”
The Panthers have used their layoff to try to get some players ready to return to action. Running back Trevor Etienne will be activated from injured reserve, with a role as a return specialist needed right away.
Receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) might be ready to return after fully practicing on Wednesday.
Young threw for 329 yards in his last game when Carolina beat the Detroit Lions 32-26 on Oct. 4 and already has two games with 325-plus passing yards this season, as many as he had all of last season.
“I think he really processes the game fast,” Sirianni said. “He’s a good athlete to be able to get himself out of trouble. … It’s going to be really important that we keep him in the pocket.”
Carolina offensive tackle Taylor Moton might be activated after sitting out since the summer. He has been recovering from multiple blood clots in his right lung and was activated from IR Tuesday.
There might be an opening on the Carolina line because right tackle Monroe Freeling missed practice Wednesday with a knee injury.
“I mean it’s timely certainly, and Monroe’s doing everything he can to make himself available for this week,” Canales said. “We’ll go through that process, and of course T-Mo hasn’t seen football. He looks in great shape.”
On the flip side, the Panthers put defensive tackle Cam Jackson on IR as he’s set for season-ending shoulder surgery.
–Field Level Media
