Eagles-Raiders Week 15 Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What It Means
The Philadelphia Eagles are reeling. Monday night’s loss to the Chargers marked their third straight defeat, and while the scoreboard stung, they at least walked away without any new major injuries. That’s a small win, especially with a Week 15 matchup looming against a Las Vegas Raiders team that’s expected to be without starting quarterback Geno Smith.
Here’s a breakdown of where both teams stand on the injury front heading into this crucial late-season tilt.
Eagles Injury Update: Some Hope, Some Uncertainty
Wednesday's Practice Report (Walkthrough - Estimated)
- Lane Johnson (DNP): There’s a bit of optimism that Johnson could suit up this week, but starting the week with a “Did Not Participate” designation isn’t ideal. The Eagles’ offensive line hasn’t been the same without him, and his presence-especially against a Raiders pass rush led by Maxx Crosby-could be a game-changer.
- Jalen Carter (DNP): Carter is still recovering from a shoulder procedure and was labeled “week-to-week.” That usually means at least another game on the sideline. His absence hurts the Eagles’ interior pass rush, which has struggled to generate consistent pressure in recent weeks.
- Landon Dickerson (Limited): Dickerson left Monday’s game with a calf injury but returned later. The fact that he was back on the field at all is encouraging. Expect him to be monitored closely throughout the week.
Eagles on Injured Reserve or Otherwise Out
- S Andrew Mukuba (IR): The rookie safety was starting to earn Vic Fangio’s trust before landing on IR. He’s eligible to return after Week 16. Mukuba has shown flashes-46 tackles and two picks-but consistency was still a work in progress.
- WR Johnny Wilson (IR, out for season): Wilson brought size and physicality to the Eagles’ receiver room, especially as a blocker. At 6’6”, 228 pounds, he carved out a niche role but struggled with penalties and wasn’t a major receiving threat (5 catches, 38 yards, 1 TD).
- EDGE Ogbo Okoronkwo (IR): Signed for depth, Okoronkwo’s season essentially ended before it started-just four snaps before a torn triceps took him out.
- EDGE Azeez Ojulari (IR): Once thought to be the third EDGE in the rotation, Ojulari has fallen way down the depth chart. Even if he’s activated, he’s unlikely to see meaningful snaps.
- FB Ben VanSumeren (IR, out for season): The Eagles had plans to use VanSumeren more in 2025, but a torn patellar tendon on the opening kickoff ended his season before it really began.
- LS Charley Hughlett (IR): The Eagles opened his 21-day practice window on Tuesday. With Cal Adomitis released, Hughlett could be on track to return soon and resume long-snapping duties.
- iOL Willie Lampkin (IR, season over): Lampkin is one of the more unique players in the league-a 5’11”, 290-pound offensive lineman who impressed in the preseason. The Eagles claimed him off waivers from the Rams, but his practice window expired without a return.
- OT Myles Hinton (IR, season over): A sixth-round rookie, Hinton never made it to the active roster due to a back injury. His practice window has closed.
- OT Cameron Williams (IR): The rookie tackle struggled in training camp and was placed on IR. This is essentially a redshirt year for him.
Raiders Injury Update: Geno Smith Likely Out, Pickett Steps In
All signs point to Geno Smith missing this game. He injured his throwing shoulder and suffered a hand laceration during Sunday’s loss to Denver. Former Eagle Kenny Pickett stepped in and looked sharp, going 8-of-11 for 97 yards and a touchdown against a solid Broncos defense.
Here’s the twist: As rough as Smith’s season has been-he leads the NFL with 14 interceptions and ranks near the bottom of the league in expected points added (EPA)-the Eagles might have preferred to face him. Pickett, while inconsistent in his own right, brings a different dynamic and may be playing with a chip on his shoulder.
Raiders Defensive Notes
- Maxx Crosby (Knee): Crosby was limited early last week, then sat out practices Thursday and Friday-but still played all 74 defensive snaps against Denver, notching four tackles and a sack. He now has nine sacks and two forced fumbles on the season. Barring a setback, expect him to suit up again this week.
- Jeremy Chinn (Healthy): Chinn played every snap against the Broncos and is second on the team with 104 tackles. He’s been a consistent presence in the secondary and will be key in trying to contain Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ rushing attack.
Raiders on Injured Reserve or Out
- LT Kolton Miller (IR, 21-day practice window opened): Miller is the anchor of the Raiders’ offensive line and returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since Week 4. He’s been out with a high ankle sprain and a hairline fracture, and his return could be a big boost if he’s cleared to play.
- RG Jackson Powers-Johnson (IR): The rookie second-rounder was originally the starting center but went down with an ankle injury in Week 10. His season is likely over, and the Raiders have shifted rookie Caleb Rogers into the right guard spot.
- CB Kyu Blu-Kelly (IR, season over): Blu-Kelly was having a solid year before a ruptured patellar tendon ended his season in Week 14. He had 40 tackles and three interceptions. Rookie Darien Porter stepped in after Blu-Kelly went down.
What It All Means
For the Eagles, this is a must-win game, and the injury report offers a mixed bag. The potential return of Lane Johnson would be huge, but the defense is still hurting without Jalen Carter and several key depth pieces. On the Raiders’ side, the quarterback situation is in flux, but Maxx Crosby remains a major threat regardless of who’s under center.
Both teams are banged up, but the stakes are high. The Eagles are trying to stop the bleeding and stay in the playoff hunt. The Raiders are looking to play spoiler, and possibly evaluate what they have in Kenny Pickett.
It’s December football, and every snap matters.