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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Eagles could be without two defensive starters for matchup vs. 49ers

The Eagles could be without two of their top defenders after Fletcher Cox (groin) and Zach Cunningham (hamstring) missed another practice ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the 49ers.

If neither player can participate in Friday’s session, they could be inactive for Sunday afternoon’s most crucial game.

Dallas Goedert (forearm), Justin Evans (ankle), and Grant Calcaterra (ankle) are both also not practicing on Thursday.

Offensive tackle Lane Johnson (groin) could be a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. Johnson was added to the injury report after waking up with groin tightness before Sunday’s game.

Defensive tackle Milton Williams (concussion) is still in the NFL’s Concussion Protocol.

Wide receivers A.J. Brown (thigh), Julio Jones (knee), and DeVonta Smith (ankle) were limited participants during Wednesday’s practice. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis (hamstring) and running back D’Andre Swift (ankle) also were limited participants.

Fletcher Cox

Nov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) and linebacker Zach Cunningham (52) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Cox did not practice on Wednesday because of the groin injury that sidelined him last Sunday.

If he’s inactive, that would be a significant loss against the 49ers, and the team is already dealing with Jordan Davis (hamstring) and Milton Williams (concussion) practicing on a limited basis.

Zach Cunningham

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Zach Cunningham #52 of the Philadelphia Eagles breaks up a pass intended for Jake Ferguson #87 of the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Cunningham (hamstring) will practice and is expected to miss at least this week’s game. Even if the Eagles are able to land Shaquille Leonard, he won’t have any impact on Sunday’s showdown.

Philadelphia will roll with Nicholas Morrow and Christian Elliss against Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and the vaunted 49ers offense.

Final observation

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 26: O’Cyrus Torrence #64 of the Buffalo Bills and Spencer Brown #79 of the Buffalo Bills block Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

At defensive tackle, Philadelphia will have Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo and Marlon Tuipulotu entering the game with no injury designations.

Carter enters the contest as one of the highest graded players at his position, and he’ll be needed in a big way on Sunday.

Jordan Davis should play after logging a career high in snaps, while Milton Williams should return from the concussion protocol to play a larger role.

At linebacker, undrafted rookie Ben VanSumeren could see snaps, while DC Sean Desai will have decisions to make in regards to coverage, schemes and defensive personnel in certain 49ers formations.

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