Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Eagles have placed linebacker Nakobe Dean on Injured Reserve following a knee injury sustained during the Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers. This injury will keep Dean out for the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, the rest of the Eagles' active roster remains in good condition as they prepare for their upcoming Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Veteran players, including wide receiver A.J. Brown, were rested on Wednesday. Brown is also dealing with a knee injury that has persisted for several weeks. "I miss practice (when he's not able to go) because I'm a work junkie," Brown stated after Wednesday's practice at Lincoln Financial Field. He added, "I'll be out there" on Thursday.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett participated fully in practice as he recovers from rib injuries incurred in Week 16 against Washington. Defensive tackle Byron Young is currently within his 21-day practice window to return from Injured Reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in October.

Players who did not participate include running back Saquon Barkley, center Cam Jurgens, tackle Jordan Mailata, and outside linebacker Josh Sweat—all resting—alongside Brown due to his knee/rest concerns.

On the Rams' side, tight end Tyler Higbee is expected to play Sunday despite being hospitalized after Monday's Wild Card win over the Minnesota Vikings due to a chest injury. Head Coach Sean McVay confirmed Higbee's ability to travel home with the team and anticipates his participation against Philadelphia.

The Rams faced challenges practicing due to wildfires necessitating their game relocation to Arizona. Three starters missed Wednesday’s practice: cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon with a thigh injury, nose tackle Bobby Brown III with a shoulder issue, and left tackle Alaric Jackson with a chest problem. Jackson had played all offensive snaps against Minnesota but was absent from previous reports.

Rams' limited participants included Higbee as he manages his chest injury.