THE APEX TIMES
Philadelphia enters primetime with all of its edge rushers available after Nolan Smith’s return, but five starters and key role players miss the game due to injuries. Washington, meanwhile, will be without star defensive lineman Daron Payne and will also sit several defensive backs and a tackle.
The Eagles carry multiple injury-related absences into Sunday night against the Commanders, but the biggest roster change is positive on the edge. Philadelphia has all of its edge rushers available, with Nolan Smith returning for the game.
Five of the Eagles’ six inactives were ruled out on Friday with injury: linebacker Jihaad Campbell (hamstring/quad), cornerback Jonathan Jones (hamstring), and three wide receivers (Britain Covey with a knee injury, DeVonta Smith with a hamstring injury, and Dontayvion Wicks with an ankle injury).
With Campbell sidelined, Philadelphia expects increased inside linebacker snaps from Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who has been rotating with Campbell during the season. The Eagles plan to pair him with Zack Baun for the bulk of the inside work.
All three quarterbacks are active for Philadelphia. The team also notes that last week’s rookie emergency quarterback was Cole Payton, and that center/guard Jake Majors is inactive for the second straight week.
The Eagles also elevated running back Elijah Mitchell and outside linebacker Mason Reiger from the practice squad on Saturday to help cover depth needs on game day.
On the Commanders’ side, Washington is thin in the interior because star defensive lineman Daron Payne is inactive with a foot injury that led to his Friday injury designation and subsequent absence. The Commanders are also without defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who was ruled out on Friday after a knee injury suffered against the 49ers in Week 6.
Washington lists Fabian Moreau and Isaac Yiadom as inactive at cornerback, while starting wide receiver Treylon Burks is active after being listed questionable.