The Philadelphia Eagles could be without star wide receiver A.J. Brown in Week 4. Although the Eagles were able to win without Brown last week, it could be difficult to replicate that success once again.
The Eagles released the team’s first official injury report on Wednesday for Week 4, more bad news followed on Thursday before a positive revelation on Friday. Here’s a look at the status of Brown and others ahead of the team’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Will A.J. Brown Play in Week 4 vs. the Buccaneers?
Saturday Update:Â On Saturday, the Eagles officially ruled Brown out. With the bye week coming up combined with Brown returning to practice, managers should feel extremely confident Brown will get back on the field in Week 6.
After missing back-to-back games due to a hamstring injury, Brown did not participate in Philadelphia’s walk-through practice on Wednesday and again was out on Thursday. Brown initially told Lisa Salters of ESPN that he expected to miss a couple of weeks.
On Friday, the Eagles got some good news as Brown was spotted stretching at practice with his helmet near him. The latest injury report will be out later today.
AJ Brown is here at Eagles practice and has a helmet
#đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/xwJ72aLpFS
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) September 27, 2024
While Brown’s return would provide a massive boost to Philadelphia’s offense, the Eagles could be holding him out until after the team’s bye week.
That would allow Brown to have four full weeks to recover from his hamstring injury. Following the bye week, Brown would potentially return in Week 6 when the Eagles host the Cleveland Browns in Philadelphia.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore both praised Philadelphia’s wide-receiver group below Brown on the depth chart. If he is unable to play in Week 4, Philadelphia’s coaching staff seems confident in the other wide receivers on the team to step up in Tampa Bay.
The decision will be more difficult however as Devonta Smith was ruled out with a concussion on Friday.
Who Are the Other Fantasy Options To Consider on the Eagles?
Following his monstrous performance in Week 3, it’s clear that Dallas Goedert is the best pass-catching option to consider in fantasy for the Eagles. If Brown is unable to play, Goedert should receive double-digit targets once again.
While Saquon Barkley remains a clear RB1 in fantasy, he likely won’t see significantly more targets from Jalen Hurts in the passing game.
Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, and Parris Campbell will likely be Philadelphia’s starting wide receiver trio with Smith out and if Brown was unable to play.
Dotson likely has the most upside out of this group, but that isn’t saying much. It’s a rather uninspiring trio that should be avoided in fantasy football this week.
Brown Isn’t the Only Starter on Eagles Injury Report
Smith wasn’t the only Eagles starter that suffered an injury in Week 3. He was joined by Lane Johnson, Mekhi Becton, Britain Covey, and Darius Slay as starters that missed time due to injury.
Covey was officially placed on injured reserve on Tuesday due to a broken bone in his shoulder. Smith, Johnson, Becton, and Slay were all listed on Philadelphia’s initial injury report in Week 4.
Smith was ruled out on Friday with the concussion that he suffered against the New Orleans Saints. Smith was the target of a controversial hit.
Eagles LT Lane Johnson is not practicing today, just stretching after suffering a concussion in Sunday’s game.
WR DeVonta Smith (concussion) and WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) also not practicing today.
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) September 25, 2024
Johnson did not participate in practice on Wednesday due to his concussion but was spotted stretching with the team on Thursday. Becton was a limited participant and revealed that he tore a ligament in his left ring finger but expects to play.
Eagles starting left guard Landon Dickerson made a surprise appearance on the injury report as a limited participant due to a wrist injury.
If Johnson or Dickerson are unable to play against the Buccaneers, Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland should have a strong plan in place.
Fred Johnson and Tyler Steen stepped in and played at a surprisingly high level against the Saints last week. It was a strong showing that displayed the power of an education from “Stoutland University.”
Meanwhile, Slay was a full participant during Wednesday’s practice due to a knee injury. Slay stated on social media that he is okay and he likely won’t miss this week’s matchup against the Buccaneers.