Eagles rule out Barkley and Smith for London game vs. Jaguars
The Philadelphia Eagles ruled out running back Saquon Barkley and receiver DeVonta Smith for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Both have hamstring injuries, and the Eagles have lost two straight. Five Eagles are out in all, and pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, a $100 million signing, is questionable.
The Philadelphia Eagles will play the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday without their two best offensive players. Running back Saquon Barkley and receiver DeVonta Smith were ruled out on Friday's final injury report. Both have hamstring injuries.
Barkley got hurt in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams and played just four snaps, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Smith will miss his second straight game with a right hamstring problem that has lingered since training camp.
The Eagles also ruled out center Drew Kendall (knee), safety Marcus Epps (groin) and receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (ankle). Outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, the $100 million pass rusher the team added this offseason, is questionable with an ankle injury. He did not practice all week. If he sits, he will have played in just two of five games.
With Barkley out and backup Tank Bigsby on injured reserve, Will Shipley and Dameon Pierce should carry the ball. The team also signed running back Carson Steele to the active roster.
The offensive line is a bigger worry. Right tackle Lane Johnson retired this week, and the team traded center Cam Jurgens to Baltimore. Jake Majors, an undrafted lineman who has never played in an NFL regular-season game, could start at center.
There is some good news. Tight end Dallas Goedert is back after missing two games, and All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun cleared the concussion protocol. Receiver Dontayvion Wicks and defensive lineman AJ Epenesa were limited in practice but are cleared, 97.3 ESPN reported.
The Jaguars are mostly healthy. Cornerback Jaylon Jones is out with a hamstring injury, and safety Eric Murray is doubtful with a concussion, CBS Sports reported. Jacksonville is favored by 7 points.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts showed up on Friday's report with a calf injury, but he practiced fully and will play.
What we know: Barkley, Smith, Brown, Kendall and Epps are out, and Greenard is questionable.
What we don't: Whether Greenard plays, and who starts at center.
Where outlets agree The Philadelphia Inquirer and CBS Sports both report that Barkley and Smith are out with hamstring injuries and Greenard is questionable with an ankle injury.
Where they differ The Philadelphia Inquirer says Brown will miss a third straight week, while 97.3 ESPN says it is his second straight game.