Calling All Backups

The final injury report for the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Minnesota Vikings saw no changes from the previous day, thus ruling out three starters.

Safety Reed Blankenship (Ribs), Cornerback James Bradberry (Concussion), and Running Back Kenny Gainwell (Ribs) have all been ruled out after being listed as “did not participate” in all three estimated injury reports.

The Eagles were already without starting MLB Nakobe Dean, out at least four weeks on injured reserve with a foot sprain.

Defensive Tackle Fletcher Cox (Ribs) was listed as “limited” on Wednesday and questionable for the game, giving him a chance to play.

Gainwell will miss the game after recording a career-high in carries in Week 1 with 14, a decision that brought some criticism for new Offensive Coordinator Brian Johnson. The absence will certainly open the door for Rashaad Penny to make his Eagles debut as well as more potential touches for the dynamic D’Andre Swift.

Blankenship and Bradberry’s absence will leave the Birds’ secondary shorthanded against a pass-happy team with weapons highlighted by All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson. Second-year CB Josh Jobe will likely fill in for Bradberry, while the Eagles can decide between Terrell Edmunds and rookie Sydney Brown for the second safety spot.

On the Vikings’ side, they will be without starting center Garrett Bradbury, who is listed as out after missing all three days of practice with a back injury.

With Left Tackle Christian Darrisaw (Ankle) listed as questionable as well, the Eagles defensive line will have to take this matchup advantage to make up for the potential deficiencies in their back seven.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com