Eagles Get Hit by COVID-19
Going into Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, the Philadelphia Eagles looked to be the healthiest they were in a long time.
Miles Sanders, Alshon Jeffery, and Lane Johnson all made their return in Week 10.
Isaac Seumalo and Zach Ertz are soon to be activated from the Injured Reserve. The Eagles are moving closer to getting the whole offensive arsenal back for Carson Wentz. Everything is starting to look promising health-wise.
Then, COVID-19 hit.
On Thursday, the Philadelphia Eagles announced four players would be placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 List. Those four players include Corey Clement, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Vinny Curry, and Deontay Burnett, who was placed on the Practice Squad COVID list. John Hightower was also considered a close contact, and what out of practice on Thursday.
As soon as this team starting getting healthy they catch an outbreak. Go figure.
Although none of these players are huge contributors to the Philadelphia Eagles, they are still depth pieces needed in case of potential injury. The Eagles need every healthy player out there as possible, considering how injury-riddled 2020 has been.
If all of these players are out for Sunday, how do the Philadelphia Eagles adjust and make up for these absences?
John Hightower
The biggest loss that could be seen on Sunday with this list of players is John Hightower. Although he hasn’t been stellar all season, he is one of the team’s real deep threats and can stretch the field for the Eagles offense.
With Hightower potentially out, we could see more time and activation for rookie Quez Watkins, who’s been working to get activated for a game. Watkins has big-time speed that can replace Hightower’s, and he can find an opportunity to succeed on Sunday.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside
JJ Arcega-Whiteside is another receiver who most likely won’t play on Sunday. Considering he was a healthy scratch last Sunday against the Giants, it’s safe to say he wouldn’t have been a big factor against Cleveland anyway.
Vinny Curry
Vinny Curry is probably the next most important player that could miss Sunday due to COVID. Curry has been a key rotational piece at defensive end for the last few seasons. Luckily for the Eagles, they do have Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, and Josh Sweat lining up at the defensive end to fill his snaps.
Malik Jackson can also line up on the end if needed, but they seem to be set with the absence of Curry.
Corey Clement
Corey Clement is the last player on the active roster that could miss Sunday’s game. Clement got his first touchdown of the season on his only touch last Sunday and gets his occasional carries behind Miles Sanders and Boston Scott.
Clement’s absence shouldn’t be significant either, as he is more of a depth piece for this season. If anything, Jason Huntley could see a few more snaps with Clement out.
How the Philadelphia Eagles manage this Week 11 game with a COVID outbreak shouldn’t be too difficult.
Moving forward, however, could be more of a challenge, as they have to be cautious during practices and meetings. They can’t afford to lose any more players due to injury or positive COVID tests, especially with the NFC East crown on the line.
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