Eagles’ 53-man roster vs. Lions: News and notes for Week 8

Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster vs. Detroit Lions: News and notes for Week 8

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As the Eagles and Lions get set for kickoff, the 53-man roster for Week 8 is something to watch, as Philadelphia could really become a seller if the team falls to 2-6 on the season.

Here’s a breakdown of the 53 man roster for Sunday’s important matchup, with news and analysis.

Eagles vs. Lions: NFL experts make Week 8 picks

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions: NFL experts make Week 8 picks

The Eagles have two more victories than the winless Lions, but national media reactions to both teams’ latest efforts suggest Sunday could get ugly for Philadelphia.

Looking to avoid a 3-game losing streak, Philadelphia will look to find some balance and efficiency on offense this week, hours after Miles Sanders goes on injured reserve for three weeks.

NFL experts from around the league have made their picks and Philadelphia is the favorite among the masses.

Week 7 Rooting Guide: Who Eagles fans need to cheer for as playoff picture starts to develop

Week 7 Rooting Guide: Who Philadelphia Eagles fans need to cheer for as playoff picture starts to develop

The Eagles are on the road in Week 7, as they’ll face the Las Vegas Raiders on the road in a crucial matchup for both teams.

The Eagles are almost to the halfway point of the season and as the NFC playoff picture starts to develop, fans should start to root for certain teams in key matchups, and here’s a look at a few big names to keep an eye on via NFL.com.

Philadelphia currently sits 13th in the NFC playoff picture with one of the NFL’s easiest remaining schedules.

Eagles’ LB T.J. Edwards named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Eagles’ linebacker T.J. Edwards was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after his 4th quarter blocked punt help Philadelphia upset Carolina

The NFL announced on Wednesday that third-year linebacker T.J. Edwards was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Philadelphia’s victory over the Carolina Panthers.

This is Edwards’ first career Player of the Week honor and he’s the first Eagle to be named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week since Kenjon Barner in 2017.

Edwards block on Joseph Charlton’s punt with four minutes remaining in Sunday’s game put the Eagles in scoring position at the Panthers’ 27-yard line.

With the Eagles down 18-13 at the time, quarterback Jalen Hurts scored on a 6-yard touchdown run on the ensuing drive and hit wide receiver DeVonta Smith for the two-point conversion to give the Eagles a 21-18 lead.

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Eagles must unleash Quez Watkins against Bucs; DeVonta Smith really finding his rhythm

The Philadelphia Eagles must unleash Quez Watkins against Bucs; DeVonta Smith is really finding his rhythm after five weeks

There’s something about Quez Watkins and DeVonta Smith that brings such a bright smile to the face of Eagles fans.

Watkins shot the life back into an Eagles offense that saw Jalen Hurts somewhat restricted against a Carolina Panthers defense that’s among the NFL’s best.

Just when the Panthers looked to put a lid on the game and seal the deal, Hurts found Quez Watkins on a 53-yard pass to set up a 1-yard touchdown run. 

It’s evident Watkins’ production on the field is present — though, not enough. He’s shown flashes of “what could be” if he’s utilized on the field a little longer, and he’s actually getting more snaps than Jalen Reagor.


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The receiver now leads the league in yards per catch, per @JClarkNBCS via twitter.

He finished with 48 yards on three catches against the Panthers and overall this season, Watkins has 13 receptions, 267 receiving yards, averaging 20.5 yards per carry.  Also, important to note, Watkins’ 267 receiving yards through five games into the season is second behind leading receiver Smith (314 yards).

Smith seems like he’s getting more comfortable each game, and it’s so amazing to see him and Hurts connect. The Eagles rookie receiver finished Sunday with 77 receiving yards on 7 catches, as he was targeted eight times.

He did have one disappointing drop, and a touchdown called back after a holding call on Greg Ward — but Smith made up for all of it on the two-point conversion to give the Eagles a 21-18 lead in the fourth quarter.

On the season, Smith has racked up 314 yards on 25 catches while averaging 12.6 yards per carry. 

Both receivers, especially Smith, need to be involved heavily on Thursday night against the Buccaneers. Smith will likely see matchups against a Bucs secondary that will try their best to corral him. This, ultimately, is where coach Nick Sirianni and Shane Steichen must involve Watkins more as an additional threat to the receiving corps.

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Tracking the Eagles 2022 NFL Draft order after Week 5

Tracking the Philadelphia Eagles 2022 NFL Draft order through after Week 5

The Eagles front office is among the Week 5 winners after several scenarios inched the organization closer to draft royalty.

Prior to the 2021 NFL Draft, the Eagles traded Carson Wentz to the Colts, and the team received a conditional second-round rounder in 2022 that would become a first-round pick if the quarterback takes 75% of the Colts’ regular-season offensive snaps or 70% if they make the playoffs.

Philadelphia also owns the Dolphins 2022 first-round pick after trading back to No. 12 overall.

Tankathon is tracking the draft order for all 32 NFL teams and Philadelphia currently would have 3 picks in the top-15 of the 2022 selection process.

Eagles vs. Panthers final injury report

Eagles vs. Panthers final injury report: Lane Johnson only player ruled out for Philadelphia, while Christian McCaffrey is doubtful for Carolina

The Eagles released their final injury report for Sunday’s matchup at Carolina and Lane Johnson is the only starter for Philadelphia to be ruled out.

Johnson is dealing with a personal matter and will miss his second-straight matchup.

Eagles vs. Panthers: RB Christian McCaffrey now doubtful for Week 5 matchup

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers: RB Christian McCaffrey now doubtful for Week 5 matchup

With the Eagles in the midst of a three-game losing streak and uncertainty along the offensive line, there’s some positive news from a scheme and gameplay standpoint.

Christian McCaffrey was hopeful to play on Sunday but now has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s matchup in Charlotte against the Eagles’ vulnerable defense.

Shaq Thompson and Cameron Erving were ruled out, while Yetur Gross-Matos has been ruled questionable as well.

For Philadelphia, Jordan Mailata will return to the lineup, while Lane Johnson has been ruled out for the second straight game.

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Eagles vs. Panthers: Lane Johnson ruled out, Jordan Mailata will return to lineup

Eagles’ right tackle Lane Johnson will miss his second straight game with a personal issue, while Jordan Mailata will return to the lineup.

As the Eagles return to action on Sunday in Carolina the team will be without star right tackle Lane Johnson, while Jordan Mailata will return to the lineup.

Eagles vs. Panthers: RB Christian McCaffrey is optimistic he’ll play against Philadelphia

Eagles vs. Panthers: RB Christian McCaffrey is optimistic he’ll play against Philadelphia

The Eagles defense was already searching for an identity and Sunday could provide the stiffest test of the 2021 NFL season.

Christian McCaffrey missed the Panthers shootout with Dallas last week, but after two limited practices in preparation for Philadelphia, Carolina’s star running back is optimistic that he’ll be available to play.

McCaffrey suffered the hamstring injury suffered the previous week in a Thursday night win at Houston and the initial prognosis was that he could miss several weeks.

With the 3-1 Panthers set to face the NFL’s 31st-ranked run defense, McCaffrey’s obviously feeling good about a potential return performance.

One of the NFL’s top running backs, McCaffrey could be itching to return so quickly because of the 13 games he missed in 2020 due to various ailments.

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