The Philadelphia Eagles could be without some of their best offensive players in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith and right tackle Lane Johnson did not practice Thursday.
Brown still nursing hamstring injury this forced him to miss the last two weeks, while Smith and Johnson each suffered a concussion In 15-12 victory on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Johnson was seen stretching in practice Thursday, but he was not wearing a helmet.
If Brown and Smith can’t play in Week 4, Philadelphia’s receiving corps will be depleted against Tampa Bay. The Eagles will also be deprived Great Britain Coveywho was placed on injured reserve Tuesday after injuring his shoulder against New Orleans. Rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean will return punts in place of Covey.
Tight end Dallas Goedert had a career game in Week 3, and he could get more targets as Brown and Smith potentially missed the game. Jahan Dotson, who has yet to contribute much since joining the Eagles before the season, will likely see more targets as well.
After placing Covery on IR, the Eagles added John Ross to the practice squad. Ross spent the summer with the Birds, but did not make the team in August. He could be recalled against Tampa, alongside veteran receiver Parris Campbell.
On the offensive line, Fred Johnson will start at right tackle if Lane Johnson can’t play.
Right guard Mekhi Becton (finger), left guard Landon Dickerson (wrist) and cornerback Darius Slay (knee) were all listed as full participants for Thursday’s practice.
Becton left Sunday’s game with a finger injury and sophomore guard Tyler Steen took his place.
Defensive tackle Milton Williams was added to Thursday’s injury report with a groin injury. He was listed as a limited participant. Williams and the rest of the Philadelphia defense had a dominant outing against the Saints in the come-from-behind victory.
