The Eagles could be without two of their top defenders after Fletcher Cox (groin) and Zach Cunningham (hamstring) missed another practice ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the 49ers.
If neither player can participate in Friday’s session, they could be inactive for Sunday afternoon’s most crucial game.
From not returning to the game against the #Bills to not practicing yesterday and today, it’s looking like an uphill battle for #Eagles DT Fletcher Cox to play Sunday vs the #49ers. https://t.co/8bQTr2cNgp
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 30, 2023
Dallas Goedert (forearm), Justin Evans (ankle), and Grant Calcaterra (ankle) are both also not practicing on Thursday.
Offensive tackle Lane Johnson (groin) could be a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. Johnson was added to the injury report after waking up with groin tightness before Sunday’s game.
Defensive tackle Milton Williams (concussion) is still in the NFL’s Concussion Protocol.
Wide receivers A.J. Brown (thigh), Julio Jones (knee), and DeVonta Smith (ankle) were limited participants during Wednesday’s practice. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis (hamstring) and running back D’Andre Swift (ankle) also were limited participants.
Fletcher Cox
Cox did not practice on Wednesday because of the groin injury that sidelined him last Sunday.
If he’s inactive, that would be a significant loss against the 49ers, and the team is already dealing with Jordan Davis (hamstring) and Milton Williams (concussion) practicing on a limited basis.
Zach Cunningham
Cunningham (hamstring) will practice and is expected to miss at least this week’s game. Even if the Eagles are able to land Shaquille Leonard, he won’t have any impact on Sunday’s showdown.
Philadelphia will roll with Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss against Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and the vaunted 49ers offense.
Final observation
At defensive tackle, Philadelphia will have Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo and Marlon Tuipulotu entering the game with no injury designations.
Carter enters the contest as one of the highest graded players at his position, and he’ll be needed in a big way on Sunday.
Jordan Davis should play after logging a career high in snaps, while Milton Williams should return from the concussion protocol to play a larger role.
At linebacker, undrafted rookie Ben VanSumeren could see snaps, while DC Sean Desai will have decisions to make in regards to coverage, schemes and defensive personnel in certain 49ers formations.
