Every Friday afternoon during the regular season, NFL teams will release their “official” injury report and include designations for injured players. There is no longer a “probable” designation that used to be abused by teams, so players either carry no designation, are questionable, or are doubtful to play.
And despite what many people think, those designations do matter, and the NFL keeps an eye on them. Because teams like the Patriots used to routinely list most of their team as probable or questionable, there are now some actual rules surrounding the designations.
Anyway, for Sunday afternoon games, teams have to release an injury report on Friday afternoon. The Eagles just posted theirs a few minutes ago:
Some of this we knew, but some of it is surprising. Let’s take a quick look at what these designations mean.
Jalen Reagor — None
Despite injuring his shoulder on August 30 and some speculating that he could miss four weeks or longer, Reagor doesn’t even carry an injury designation heading into Week 1. It sounds like the rookie wideout has made a pretty miraculous recovery and is going to play on Sunday. Wow.
Miles Sanders — Questionable
Sanders has been dealing with a hamstring injury for multiple weeks now, and the team has repeatedly said they are being cautious while appearing optimistic about his readiness for Week 1. His “questionable” designation is at least a little concerning because it means there is still a chance that he doesn’t play. I still expect him to play but was hoping for him to avoid a designation for Week 1. If Sanders can’t go, look for one of Elijah Holyfield, Mike Warren, or Adrian Killins to be promoted to the active roster for this week.
Lane Johnson — Questionable
We found out earlier today that Johnson quietly had ankle surgery in August, so his status should not come as a surprise. Like Sanders, I assumed that Johnson would be ready to play. Now, I’m not so sure. And if Johnson can’t go against Washington’s stable of pass rushers, the Eagles are in some real trouble.
Javon Hargrave — Out
Hargrave has been dealing with a pectoral injury since mid-August and hasn’t practiced since. He avoided injured reserve to start the season, but it doesn’t sound like he is close to returning. He also picked up a hamstring injury somewhere along the way. It sounds like we are at least a couple of weeks away from seeing the Eagles’ prized acquisition in free agency.
Alshon Jeffery — Out
No surprise here.
Derek Barnett — Questionable
Barnett has been limited by hamstring and ankle injuries for multiple weeks now, though only the hamstring issue appears on the injury report. Barnett has been no stranger to injuries during his young career, and they are a big reason why the team could be hesitant to lock him up to a contract extension after his rookie contract is up next year.
Corey Clement — None
Clement popped up on the injury report with a quad issue earlier in the week, but it sounds like he is fine. If Sanders is unable to go, Clement could play a major role in the offense in Week 1.
