The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive woes have become increasingly apparent in the opening games of the 2024 season, with tackling issues plaguing the unit.
Despite the return of vocal leader C.J. Gardner-Johnson on a three-year deal, the secondary has failed to find consistency, leaving fans and analysts concerned about the team’s defensive prospects.
The situation has taken a turn for the worse with the latest injury report.
Eagles reporter Tim McManus revealed that Gardner-Johnson is now listed with a foot injury, sidelining him during Thursday’s practice.
This development raises serious questions about his availability for the Week 3 matchup against the Saints, a game where his presence could be crucial.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson added to the practice report with a foot injury. pic.twitter.com/KQPYJgvu3G
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) September 19, 2024
Gardner-Johnson’s potential absence comes at a particularly inopportune time for Philadelphia.
The Eagles’ defense is already struggling, and facing the Saints’ potent deep passing attack without their star safety could expose further vulnerabilities.
While the Eagles have several options to address their safety concerns, none seem to offer a foolproof solution.
Potential adjustments may include moving Avonte Maddox to safety and sliding Cooper DeJean into the slot, or starting Isaiah Rodgers on the outside while shifting Quinyon Mitchell inside.
However, these alternatives feel like stopgap measures rather than long-term fixes, particularly given the team’s ongoing tackling issues.
The Eagles find themselves at a critical juncture as it is quite clear that without Gardner-Johnson on the field, they’re left vulnerable and scrambling for answers.
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