The Eagles' 2024 training camp is rocked by injuries as WRs Terrace Marshall Jr. and DeVonta Smith are sidelined. How will Philly's offense adapt?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The dreaded training camp injury bug has officially arrived in Philadelphia. Hopes for a smooth start were dashed Wednesday as wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. went down with a leg injury described as potentially 'somewhat significant,' casting a shadow over a day already marked by a growing list of sidelined players. With Marshall now questionable for the Week 1 opener against Dallas, the Eagles' receiver depth is facing its first major test.
With Terrace Marshall Jr. and DeVonta Smith both sidelined, the Eagles suddenly have more questions than answers at wide receiver.
The most significant blow of camp so far landed at the wide receiver position. Terrace Marshall Jr., a key contender for a depth role, suffered a leg injury that could jeopardize his availability for the start of the season. The timing is particularly brutal, as Danny Gray is also nursing a finger injury. In a swift response, Howie Roseman brought back a familiar face, re-signing Ifeanyi Momah for his third stint with the team. While Jalen Hurts spoke optimistically about building chemistry with his young receivers, that chemistry will now be forged under pressure as unproven players are forced into more prominent roles.
Marshall Jr. wasn't the only notable absence. Star wideout DeVonta Smith missed his second straight practice with back tightness, though his issue is considered minor. The defense is also feeling the strain, with pass rusher Nolan Smith entering concussion protocol and promising rookie safety Andrew Mukuba still out with a shoulder injury. Key contributors Jalen Carter, Jihaad Campbell, and Cam Jurgens were also limited. The one bright spot came from the linebacker room, where Nakobe Dean is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery from a serious patellar tendon injury, offering a glimmer of positive news.
While the injury report is concerning, other players are seizing the opportunity to shine. In the trenches, defensive linemen Moro Ojomo and Ty Robinson put on a clinic during one-on-one drills. Ojomo, in particular, turned heads by getting the better of Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson with a combination of speed and power. Robinson also showcased impressive athleticism and technique. As defensive coordinator Vic Fangio evaluates his depth chart, these standout performances are making a strong case for significant rotational roles come the regular season.
Overseeing the defense, Vic Fangio emphasized that camp is precisely for these moments of evaluation. He acknowledged that certain players are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. His focus on building depth in the secondary and at linebacker is proving prescient given the current injury situation. Fangio's measured approach suggests the coaching staff is prepared for this adversity, viewing it as a crucial opportunity to test the roster and identify reliable contributors before the games truly count.
The immediate future hinges on the MRI results for Terrace Marshall Jr. His potential absence puts immense pressure on the unproven receivers Jalen Hurts is working to build chemistry with. As the injury list grows, the 'next man up' philosophy will be tested early and often, making the upcoming preseason games a critical proving ground for the team's suddenly fragile depth.
