After placing three players on Injured Reserve earlier in the week, the Philadelphia Eagles saw improved participation at Thursday’s practice ahead of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
All active Eagles players were involved in practice, with some limited by injury. Offensive tackle Lane Johnson, who left last Sunday’s win over the Rams after suffering a stinger on the first offensive drive, returned as a full participant. Starting linebackers Zack Baun (knee) and Jihaad Campbell (triceps), along with cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (groin), were limited participants after missing Wednesday’s session. Quarterback Tanner McKee continued to be limited due to a right thumb injury sustained in preseason.
Running back Will Shipley was a full participant for the second consecutive day after missing two games with an oblique injury.
The Eagles placed cornerback Jakorian Bennett, wide receiver Darius Cooper, and outside linebacker Nolan Smith on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. They will miss at least four games.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts spoke about Lane Johnson’s return: “He’s a hell of a player,” Hurts said Wednesday. “I was just talking about him and his routine. I know he’s applauded me for my routine, but his routine is very, very, very intentional. He’s very consistent. He’s very disciplined. And I think those habits show up in his game. He’s been able to do that and take the coaching and be able to grow and evolve and age in a different way than everyone else, so it’s a lot of credit to him.”
Hurts also recognized Fred Johnson’s contribution when stepping in for Lane Johnson during Sunday’s game: “I wouldn’t be able to mention him (Lane Johnson) without mentioning Fred and the way he stepped in because that’s something he was able to do in the past.”
On the Buccaneers’ side, wide receiver Chris Godwin did not practice Thursday after being a full participant Wednesday as he continues recovery from an ankle injury that sidelined him since Week 7 of last season. Head Coach Todd Bowles commented on Godwin’s progress: “He did a lot more things this week and he practiced a lot better,” Bowles told Buccaneers.com. “It will just be a matter of him healing up and seeing what he can do in the ballgame if he plays, but he had a good day today.”
Wide receiver Mike Evans missed another practice due to a hamstring injury and is not expected to play Sunday against Philadelphia.
Defensive end Logan Hall (groin) and cornerback Christian Izien (quad) also did not participate for Tampa Bay on Thursday.
Right tackle Charlie Heck (knee) and quarterback Baker Mayfield (right biceps) were limited again; Mayfield has been taking “mental reps” this week according to Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard.
Tampa Bay may see All-Pro offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs return after knee surgery during training camp; Wirfs was upgraded to full participation Thursday along with linebacker Lavonte David (knee). Wirfs told reporters he feels he’s in “a good spot physically.”
Both teams continue managing injuries as they prepare for their matchup between undefeated teams this Sunday.
