The Philadelphia Eagles have a profound health advantage for their Sunday night showdown against Detroit, with three Lions’ starters ruled out and 10 other players listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report. In contrast, every player on Philadelphia’s active roster participated in Friday’s practice, with just one player listed as questionable.
Detroit Down Starting TE & Two Key Secondary Pieces
According to the Lions’ injury report for the Eagles game, they will be without several key starters at Lincoln Financial Field. Starting tight end Sam LaPorta will be out with a back injury, which was somewhat surprising as he looked healthy in Week 10, but LaPorta was unable to practice all week. Without him, Detroit will look to split duties among Brock Wright and Ross Dwelley.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold was ruled out with a concussion after missing all three practices this week. Arnold left the Lions‘ 44-22 win over the Commanders after being concussed in the first half, and was in the process of turning in his best performance of the season against Washington.
Arnold has not practiced at all this week and has not cleared concussion protocol, which will result in backup cornerback Rock Ya-Sin getting the start. Behind him, safety Kerby Joseph is out for his fourth straight game, as he has been unable to practice since injuring his knee in Detroit’s Week 6 loss to Kansas City. Thomas Harper will continue to start opposite Brian Branch on the Lions’ back line.
In addition, defensive end Josh Paschal was ruled out as he continues to recover from a back injury that has kept him out all season. On the flip side, star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has been cleared to play after not practicing earlier in the week with an elbow injury.
Several Lions’ Offensive Linemen Limited In Practice
On top of the four players ruled out, Detroit has a laundry list of uncertainties for Sunday’s game in Philadelphia. Ten different lions are listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report, which includes several starting offensive linemen as well as reserve skill players and backups in the secondary, which is already down several starters.
Most notably, starting left tackle Taylor Decker was limited earlier in the week but did not practice on Friday. Starting right tackle Penei Sewell only practiced once this week and sat out Friday. Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo could be due for big games if the Lions’ star bookend tackles are unable to suit up on Sunday to protect Jared Goff.
Backup guard Miles Frazier, tight end Brock Wright, and reserve running backs Sione Vaki, as well as Jacob Saylors, have all been limited in practice and are questionable for the game. Center Graham Glasgow will be ready for Sunday after starting the week off limited in practice with a back injury.
On defense, reserve edge rusher Marcus Davenport is questionable, as is linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. Starting right cornerback Amik Robertson is questionable with a hamstring injury, which could force backup corner Nick Whiteside into game action.
With free-agent acquisition D.J. Reed also still on injured reserve, the Eagles’ star receiving duo of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith may have a prime opportunity against backup cornerbacks on both sides of the field.
Coupled with the advantage Philadelphia will have in the trenches, the Eagles will have a great opportunity to improve to 8-2 as they look to earn the #1 seed in the NFC this year.
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