The Philadelphia Eagles are dealing with several injuries heading into their Week 4 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, missing key contributors in practice throughout the week. Wide receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion), along with right tackle Lane Johnson (concussion), were unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday. While some updates came through on Friday, including the return of a couple of these players to practice, the injury list remains concerning.
By Saturday, the Eagles had officially downgraded Brown from questionable to out, marking his third consecutive game missed due to a lingering hamstring issue. Despite returning to practice as a limited participant on Friday, Johnson is still listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Smith, on the other hand, has been ruled out after suffering a concussion during the team’s Week 3 victory against the New Orleans Saints.
To compensate for the loss of Brown and Smith, the Eagles elevated wide receivers Parris Campbell and John Ross from their practice squad for the upcoming game against the Buccaneers.
**Injury Updates**
A.J. Brown has been battling a hamstring injury that has already sidelined him for two games. He played a crucial role in the Eagles’ season-opening win against the Green Bay Packers, where he caught five passes for 119 yards and scored a touchdown. However, his absence has created a void in the Eagles’ offense, which has had to adjust without his playmaking ability.
DeVonta Smith and Lane Johnson sustained their injuries in Week 3, during the Eagles’ narrow 15-12 win over the Saints. Smith, who took a hard hit in the fourth quarter, was diagnosed with a concussion. His absence further weakens the Eagles’ receiving corps, already struggling with injuries to multiple players. Johnson, one of the NFL’s premier right tackles, also suffered a concussion during the game, exiting in the second quarter. He was replaced by Fred Johnson, who stepped in at tackle and is expected to fill the role again if Lane Johnson is unable to play.
**Depth at Wide Receiver**
With both Smith and Brown out, the Eagles’ receiver depth will be tested. Fellow wideout Britain Covey is already on injured reserve, leaving the team thin at the position. As a result, Jahan Dotson and Parris Campbell will need to step up and take on larger roles in the offense. Dotson, in particular, is eager to make the most of this opportunity, as he shared his excitement about potentially playing a more prominent role.
Dotson remarked, “This is kinda the opportunity I’ve been waiting for since I got into the NFL. Just being out there on Sundays and showcasing my talent and being able to make plays for the football team. That’s the goal at the end of the day—help the team win and make plays. That’s what I’m gonna do. That’s what I’m capable of doing.”
With Brown and Smith sidelined, the Eagles will rely on a combination of Dotson, Campbell, and Ross to provide a spark on offense. These players will need to fill in for the injured starters and create separation against the Buccaneers’ secondary, allowing quarterback Jalen Hurts to maintain offensive rhythm.
**Eagles’ Offensive Adjustments**
The absence of key offensive players will force the Eagles to make some adjustments to their game plan against the Buccaneers. Without their top two receivers, Hurts will likely lean on the run game and short passing options. The team may also look to incorporate more tight end targets to supplement the lack of receiving depth.
If Lane Johnson is unable to clear concussion protocol in time for the game, Fred Johnson will once again be tasked with protecting Hurts’ right side. Johnson’s status will be crucial for the Eagles, as his absence would further weaken the team’s offensive line and potentially impact their ability to sustain drives.
As the Eagles head into Sunday’s game, their depth will be put to the test. The team’s ability to overcome these injuries and maintain consistency on both sides of the ball will be critical in determining the outcome of their Week 4 clash with the Buccaneers.
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