The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive woes have develop into more and more obvious within the opening video games of the 2024 season, with tackling points plaguing the unit.
Regardless of the return of vocal chief C.J. Gardner-Johnson on a three-year deal, the secondary has failed to seek out consistency, leaving followers and analysts involved in regards to the group’s defensive prospects.
The scenario has taken a flip for the more severe with the most recent harm report.
Eagles reporter Tim McManus revealed that Gardner-Johnson is now listed with a foot harm, sidelining him throughout Thursday’s observe.
This growth raises critical questions on his availability for the Week 3 matchup towards the Saints, a sport the place his presence could possibly be essential.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson added to the observe report with a foot harm. pic.twitter.com/KQPYJgvu3G
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) September 19, 2024
Gardner-Johnson’s potential absence comes at a very inopportune time for Philadelphia.
The Eagles’ protection is already struggling, and going through the Saints’ potent deep passing assault with out their star security may expose additional vulnerabilities.
Whereas the Eagles have a number of choices to handle their security considerations, none appear to supply a foolproof answer.
Potential changes could embody transferring Avonte Maddox to security and sliding Cooper DeJean into the slot, or beginning Isaiah Rodgers on the surface whereas shifting Quinyon Mitchell inside.
Nonetheless, these alternate options really feel like stopgap measures slightly than long-term fixes, significantly given the group’s ongoing tackling points.
The Eagles discover themselves at a essential juncture as it’s fairly clear that with out Gardner-Johnson on the sector, they’re left weak and scrambling for solutions.