Philadelphia Eagles Update: A.J. Brown Sits Out Second Straight Practice, Status for Sunday Uncertain
The Philadelphia Eagles have released their Thursday injury report ahead of their Week 8 home matchup against the New York Giants, and all eyes are once again on A.J. Brown, the team’s All-Pro wide receiver, who missed his second consecutive practice. His absence has raised growing concern about whether he’ll be ready to suit up for Sunday’s divisional clash at Lincoln Financial Field.
Although Brown was spotted doing light rehab work on a side field during Thursday’s practice session, his participation level remains officially listed as “Did Not Participate (DNP).” With two straight missed practices, the chances of him playing on Sunday are starting to look uncertain — though not entirely ruled out.
Brown’s Absence: Concern and Caution
A.J. Brown’s presence on the field is a major factor for the Eagles’ offense. Known for his ability to create explosive plays and his physical dominance against defenders, Brown has been a cornerstone of the team’s passing game since joining Philadelphia.
According to reports from Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Brown is “tracking toward playing Sunday,” but the team is clearly being cautious. The Eagles have also opened the practice window for wide receiver Darius Cooper, possibly as insurance if Brown isn’t cleared in time.
Head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t provide a firm update when asked about Brown’s status. “We’re taking it one day at a time,” Sirianni said. “He’s doing everything he can to be ready. We’ll see how he feels after tomorrow’s walkthrough.”
Given Brown’s importance to the offense — he’s already racked up 540 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season — losing him, even for one week, would be a significant blow to the Eagles’ aerial attack.
Eagles’ Thursday Injury Breakdown
Thursday’s injury report listed four players who did not participate in practice:
- A.J. Brown (hamstring)
- Cam Jurgens (ankle)
- Adoree’ Jackson (knee)
- Azeez Ojulari (hamstring)
While Brown’s status remains the most watched, the other absences also carry implications for Sunday’s game.
Cam Jurgens, the starting center, is not expected to play this weekend, which likely means Brett Toth will step into the starting role. Reporters at practice noted that Toth was taking first-team reps at center, while Landon Dickerson stayed at left guard. Continuity along the offensive line has always been a strength for the Eagles, but the absence of Jurgens could test their chemistry against a Giants defensive front led by Dexter Lawrence.
Meanwhile, Adoree’ Jackson’s injury leaves a potential hole in the Eagles’ secondary. With Jackson sidelined, the team might lean on Kelee Ringo or Jakorian Bennett (if activated from injured reserve) to fill the cornerback spot.
As for Azeez Ojulari, his continued absence limits the Eagles’ depth at the edge rusher position. With only Jalyx Hunt, Joshua Uche, and Patrick Johnson healthy, there’s speculation that the team could activate veteran Brandon Graham from his two-week roster exemption.
Limited Participation: Key Starters Trending Upward
In better news, the Eagles had four players listed under limited participation on Thursday:
- Landon Dickerson (shoulder)
- Moro Ojomo (neck)
- Grant Calcaterra (ankle)
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (calf)
Dickerson, Ojomo, and Calcaterra were limited for the second consecutive day, indicating that their injuries are being closely managed but are not considered severe.
The biggest positive sign came from Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who was upgraded from Did Not Participate on Wednesday to Limited on Thursday. His improvement raises hopes that he could be available to bolster the linebacker rotation on Sunday. If Trotter can’t go, the Eagles are expected to elevate Chance Campbell from the practice squad for depth and special teams reinforcement.
Full Participants and Bright Spots
The injury report wasn’t all gloom and uncertainty. Four players were listed as full participants on Thursday, including some key veterans:
- Dallas Goedert (groin)
- Brandon Graham (rested knee)
- Jakorian Bennett (hamstring)
- Darius Cooper (shoulder)
Goedert’s upgrade from limited to full participation is a strong indication that he’ll be ready to play against the Giants. The Pro Bowl tight end has been a reliable target for Jalen Hurts, and his return to full health adds stability to the passing game, especially if Brown is unable to go.
Bennett and Cooper’s full return to practice also provides encouraging depth at the wide receiver and secondary positions. The Eagles have until 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday to officially activate both Brandon Graham and Darius Cooper to the active roster, should they decide to do so.
A.J. Brown’s Potential Impact If Out
If A.J. Brown is unable to play, the Eagles’ offense could look noticeably different. His ability to stretch defenses and win contested catches is unmatched on the roster. Without him, quarterback Jalen Hurts would likely rely more heavily on DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert in the passing game.
The team could also elevate wideout Britain Covey or Joseph Ngata from the practice squad to provide additional support, though neither offers the same game-breaking ability as Brown.
Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson said the team has contingency plans in place:
“We’ve got great players in that room,” Johnson said. “Obviously A.J. is a difference-maker, but we believe in our depth. Whoever steps in will be ready.”
Still, there’s no denying the difference Brown makes. When he’s on the field, defenses are forced to double-team him, opening opportunities for other receivers. Without him, the Eagles might have to lean more on their running game and short passing routes to keep the offense moving.
Eyes on Friday: The Final Practice Before Game Day
Friday’s practice session will likely determine Brown’s availability. If he can participate, even in a limited capacity, it will boost optimism that he’ll play Sunday against the Giants. But if he misses a third straight practice, the odds of him being ruled out increase significantly.
Philadelphia fans are holding their breath, knowing how crucial divisional games are in the NFC East race. Sitting at 5–2, the Eagles are looking to maintain momentum and stay ahead of the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders in the standings.
As of Thursday evening, insiders remain cautiously optimistic. “He’s pushing to play,” one team source told NBC Sports Philadelphia. “It’ll come down to how he feels after Friday’s run-through. The team won’t risk long-term injury for a single game — but knowing A.J., he’ll do everything he can to be out there.”
The Bottom Line
While A.J. Brown’s absence from practice for a second consecutive day has raised eyebrows, it’s still too early to count him out. The Eagles’ medical staff appears to be taking a conservative approach, prioritizing his long-term health over short-term gains.
Fans will have to wait for Friday’s final injury report to know for sure. Until then, the hope remains that the team’s top receiver — and one of the NFL’s premier playmakers — will be ready to take the field when the Eagles face off against the Giants in what promises to be another heated NFC East showdown.
#EaglesNation #FlyEaglesFly #AJBrown #EaglesInjuryReport #NFLWeek8 #JalenHurts #PhiladelphiaEagles