With Week 16 on the horizon, the Philadelphia Eagles are navigating a banged-up roster as they prepare for a divisional road test against the Washington Commanders. Wednesday’s injury report, based on a walkthrough rather than a full practice, gives us a decent snapshot of where things stand - and there are a few names worth keeping a close eye on.
Eagles Dealing with Key Absences Up Front
Four Eagles were listed as non-participants: Landon Dickerson, Jalen Carter, Lane Johnson, and Fred Johnson.
Let’s start with Dickerson. The left guard was tagged with a “rest” designation alongside his calf issue, which has been a familiar pattern in recent weeks.
All signs point to him suiting up on Sunday, barring any setbacks. He’s been a steady presence on the interior, and the Eagles will need his physicality in the trenches against Washington’s front.
Jalen Carter, meanwhile, appears to be trending toward missing his third straight game. The rookie defensive tackle has been a disruptive force when healthy, but shoulder issues have kept him sidelined. His absence continues to impact the Eagles' pass rush and interior run defense - two areas that have shown signs of vulnerability down the stretch.
Lane Johnson’s foot injury continues to linger, and he’s now in line to miss his fifth straight start. The veteran right tackle is a cornerstone of this offense when healthy, and without him, the Eagles have had to shuffle their line - never ideal this late in the season.
Fred Johnson also landed on the DNP list for the second consecutive day, though he reportedly told reporters he expects to play this weekend. He’s been filling in along the offensive line and could be a key depth piece, especially if Lane Johnson remains out.
Positive Signs for Latu and Several Full Participants
Tight end Cameron Latu was upgraded to limited participation after missing Tuesday’s walkthrough. That’s a step in the right direction for the rookie, who’s been dealing with a stinger. If he doesn’t return this week, a Week 17 appearance seems likely.
The Eagles also saw five players practice in full: Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Zack Baun, Jaelan Phillips, and Cameron Williams.
Barkley’s return to full participation is a welcome sight after he was held out Tuesday. His physical running style and ability to grind out tough yards will be crucial in what’s expected to be a gritty NFC East matchup.
Bigsby, who was limited earlier in the week with an illness, is now back to full speed. He’s been a solid rotational option and should be available to spell Barkley as needed.
Baun, Phillips, and Williams were all full-go for the second consecutive day. Phillips continues to work his way back from a knee issue, and while he’s cleared to practice, the team isn’t rushing to activate Cameron Williams from injured reserve just yet.
No Concerns for Jalen Hurts
One name not on the injury report? Jalen Hurts.
Despite a brief scare late in the third quarter of last week’s win over the Raiders, Hurts looked fully operational during Tuesday’s open practice session. That’s huge for Philly.
As Hurts goes, so go the Eagles - and they’ll need him at his best as the postseason nears.
Commanders Getting Healthier Ahead of Division Clash
Washington, meanwhile, made a few tweaks to their Wednesday injury report - and they’re mostly trending in the right direction.
The big news is that left tackle Laremy Tunsil was upgraded from DNP to limited. That’s a positive development for a Commanders offense that’s been inconsistent in pass protection. Tunsil’s availability could be a game-time decision, but his presence would be a major boost.
Two key veterans - linebacker Bobby Wagner and defensive tackle Daron Payne - were both upgraded to full participants after resting Tuesday. That’s not just routine maintenance; it’s a sign that Washington will have two of its most experienced defenders ready to go in a critical divisional matchup.
Still sidelined are defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (concussion), edge rusher Von Miller (rest), and tight end Colson Yankoff (ankle). Quarterback Jayden Daniels remains limited with a left elbow issue, though that hasn’t impacted his ability to play in recent weeks.
Washington also had four players practice fully: offensive tackle George Fant, edge rusher Drake Jackson, cornerback Jonathan Jones, and running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. All signs point to them being available Sunday.
What It All Means
Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the Eagles’ list includes several high-impact starters - particularly in the trenches. If Carter and both Johnsons are out, Philadelphia’s depth will be tested against a Washington team that’s healthier than it’s been in weeks.
The Eagles still have the firepower to get it done, especially with Hurts cleared and Barkley back to full strength. But in a division game on the road, every snap matters - and the health of the offensive and defensive lines could be the difference between clinching a key win or letting one slip away.
We’ll learn more from Thursday’s final injury reports, but for now, both teams are walking the fine line between rest, recovery, and readiness.
