Thursday’s Injury Update
As they prepare for the second half of the season, the Eagles are becoming healthier.
In an effort to heal from a fractured forearm he sustained in a Week 9 victory over the Cowboys, Dallas Goedert (forearm) did not practice today.
It will be up to Goedert’s fellow tight ends and the coaching staff to help step up and replace the veteran’s output now that he is expected to be out for some time.
“You have to make up for any loss of a player with Dallas Goedert’s caliber,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni stated. “The bulk of that labor is never solely the responsibility of one guy. It’ll be decided by committee. Simply put, there isn’t another guy like Dallas Goedert on the bench.”
Although the team does not currently have a replacement for Goedert, they do have tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam, Grant Calcaterra, and Jack Stoll who can fill his desired position.
“As a group, we do a great job of doing everything collectively, so I have no doubt that we will come together and do whatever we need to do,” Stoll stated.
For this team, playing without Godert is nothing new. Without the tight end, who missed five games due to a shoulder injury last season, the Eagles averaged 31 points per contest.
“Jack and I were thrown in there and we tried not to miss a beat,” said Calcaterra. “I think we did a fantastic job of maintaining the offensive with him and me. We had excellent ball movement and a fantastic passing game. I hope we can keep doing that while he’s away.”
Despite being in the NFL’s concussion protocol and missing the previous game, Calcaterra (concussion) participated fully in practice.
Security Justin Evans (knee) participated in today’s practice to a limited extent. Evans’ 21-day practice window was opened, designating him as a returnee from the injured reserve list. Evans hasn’t played since Week 5. Evans is able to play on Monday night if he stays healthy.
Guard Cam Jurgens (foot) practiced fully on Thursday. The second-year lineman has not played since injuring his foot in Week 4. Jurgens had his 21-day practice window opened before the Week 9 meeting with the Cowboys, but he did not play.
Cornerback Bradley Roby (shoulder) also practiced fully on Thursday. The veteran was injured in the team’s Week 6 game against the Jets. He has not played since but was not placed on Injured Reserve.
“I am good. I am ready to go,” Roby said. “I did not come here just to get hurt in two games. I feel like my destiny is more than that. I stayed focused and positive about the whole thing.”
Jalen Hurts, the quarterback, recuperated during the bye week by resting and using a knee brace. Hurts did not have his knee brace on for the practice on Thursday.
Hurts stated, “Time is a sign of progress.” It was a perfect time for the bye week. All is moving in the right direction.