Eagles Face Receiver Setback vs. Bucs

The Philadelphia Eagles are going to have to dig deep if they plan on defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. The receiving corps for the team has been severely injured, so it's hard to say what this will mean for them on the field. Now, let's take a closer look at the injury report to find out what this means for the team.

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Injury Updates

The Eagles injury report was mixed. Wide Receiver A.J. Brown was listed as questionable. This is good news considering that he was able to practice on Friday, his first practice since September 12. But alas, the team's Right Tackle, Lane Johnson, has also been listed as questionable, which adds to the questions of how that will play out.

And here's the bad news. DeVonta Smith will sit for the game. For Philadelphia, that's a massive loss because he hasn't missed more than two regular season games since being drafted in 2021. His absence will put more pressure on the other guys to do better. The injury that set Smith out came on a questionable hit during the previous game. A rookie from the Saints hit him while he was already stopped. His injury came at a bad time as this is when the Eagles need him most.

Smith plays such a significant role in the Eagles' offense, as his speed and playmaking skills are essential for the team. He has been an integral part of their offense in most games this season; thus, they have to be quick to adjust to life without him. This injury could significantly strain the chemistry that Quarterback Jalen Hurts has developed with the other receivers.

The Status of A.J. Brown

There is now the chance for the return of A.J. Brown, and that will give some badly needed energy to the Eagles. Brown is a physical receiver and a big-play threat. If he is good with his hamstring injury, then that will fill in for Smith's absence. Brown has played just one game for the season, and to have him available for the whole game will be a plus for the Eagles.

Not only will his presence enhance the passing game, but he will also take some of the burden off the running backs. The defense would struggle with him and the tight ends and would give Philadelphia more opportunities to move the chains.

Lane Johnson is another key. If he doesn't play, the Eagles' record is terrible. It speaks about how much he has to be on the field for this offense to perform. His experience and skills make him a cornerstone of the offensive line. If he can play, it'll help protect Jalen Hurts and give the quarterback time to be able to make plays. The Eagles did get some production from second-stringer Fred Johnson came in after Johnson had to leave last week's game early. The difference between these players is still stark though.

Depth and Strategy Changes

The Eagles might be forced to turn to the practice squad with Smith and Brown's status uncertain. Parris Campbell would be a good fit for the position, but he'll have to get up to speed fast with the game plan, as does John Ross, especially if Brown can't play. This will, therefore prove to be one of the most important factors in the success story of a football team. Everybody has to be ready to step up for the Eagles to emerge victorious against the Buccaneers.

The situation will ask the team to adapt and show resiliency. Fans will be looking closely at how this all plays out for the Eagles, as they possess the talent, but they all must come together as a unit, especially when so much is in doubt. Indeed, it would be an interesting game, and its outcome would depend on how well the Eagles adjust to their new circumstances.

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Article originally written by Laiba Rashad