The Eagles are dealing with a bevy of offensive line injuries. Credit: Getty Images
The Eagles look like they will need to continue their offensive linemen shuffle against the Colts in Week 2.
With Lane Johnson serving the second week of his four-week suspension, the Eagles offensive line suffered a big loss Sunday when Allen Barbre went down with a high-ankle injury.
Reports from ESPN’s Adam Caplan say the injury will require season-ending surgery.
All-Pro left guard Evan Mathis also exited the first half vs. the Jaguars with an MCL sprainand is expected be on the IR, designated for return on Nov. 4, though, and not the entire season.
The next man off the bench, Matt Tobin, is working his way back from a high-ankle sprain.
The Eagles made three roster moves Tuesday, first announcing the signing of 11-year veteran and former Pro-Bowl offensive lineman Wade Smith. They also signed linebacker Emmanuel Acho and tackle Kevin Graf from the practice squad to replace the two injured linemen, as well as linebacker Najee Goode, who was put on the IR.
Cox proudof his first NFL touchdown
Fletcher Cox didn’t expect to pick up a loose ball from the Jaguars with the Eagles already ahead 27-17 Sunday. Not needing any more points, the Birds really just needed to get the ball back and run the clock down.
“To be honest, I should have fallen to the ground,” he said of his fumble recovery. “But it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a lineman to get a football and have open field. The right thing to do was to get down and let the offense take it.”
Cox said later he would probable frame the ball, which he kept after the play.
Kelly says special teams much improved
No one is really talking about the Eagles’ special teams unit, which is a good thing.
In their Week 1 game the Eagles blocked a field goal, scored two of their own and created some big returns for Darren Sproles while limiting production from the Jaguars.
“I thought our special teams was obviously a little bit, you know, improved from what it was a year ago,” Chip Kelly said. “You had five touchbacks and the two kickoffs that were taken out, one from the 13 and one was taken from the 14. We excelled I think in the punt return.”
