Still No Hurts

PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles on Friday held their final practice of the week, with few notable changes from Thursday’s injury report.

Upon entering, the only two quarterbacks warming up and firing off passes were Tanner McKee and Ian Book.

No sign of quarterbacks Jalen Hurts (concussion) or Kenny Pickett (ribs). It’s safe to say that McKee will get the nod this week, with Book serving as his backup.

Remember, the Eagles signed Book to the 53-man roster last Saturday.

Of the other players who were listed with injury designations Thursday, wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee/rest) was not present during the portion of practice open to the media. Neither was fellow wide receiver DeVonta Smith (wrist/rest).

Look for Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith at wide receiver Sunday versus the Giants.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles approach the snap distribution. With only two practice squad elevations available, it makes the decision all the more fascinating.

Should they elevate another running back – while preserving both Saquon Barkley and Kenny Gainwell – it would be Ty Davis-Price to pair with rookie Will Shipley. Feasible, considering how much the team could lean on the ground game.

But the Eagles are also light at positions like linebacker and edge rusher, as each have only four players at their position.

If they don’t elevate an inside linebacker, such as Dallas Gant, then it would require Oren Burks and rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to play every snap.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts remains off the field and in concussion protocol for the second straight week.

And at edge rusher, operating under the assumption that Josh Sweat and Nolan Smith rest, rookie Jalyx Hunt and Bryce Huff would be in line to play every snap. Smith could conceivably see early work on a pitch count, but the practice squad names to consider would be either Ochaun Mathis or K.J. Henry.

Should the Eagles opt to elevate a defensive lineman, however, rookie Gabe Hall would make the most sense, as he provides positional versatility. The Eagles have until 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon to finalize their game day roster.

Along with two practice squad elevations, the Eagles also have an open spot on the 53-man roster with backup tight end C.J. Uzomah going on injured reserve earlier this week.

Tight end Dallas Goedert was activated into the 21-day practice window after missing four games while being on injured reserve, but the Eagles don’t have to activate him onto the 53-man roster if they’re not planning to play him in the finale.

Goedert and Shipley (concussion) were at practice again Friday.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.