Injuries Will Force Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo, Eagles’ Young Defense To Grow Up Fast vs. Packers

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for a Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, they’ll be forced to do so without two projected starters, as linebacker Devin White and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers were ruled out due to injuries.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has revamped Philadelphia’s defense over the last three seasons, and now, the team’s youth movement will be in full effect in 2024. The Eagles are now expected to start several young players on defense against the Packers.

Eagles’ Young Defense Must Grow Up Fast vs. Packers

The Eagles released an updated injury report on Thursday, revealing that Rodgers joined White as players ruled out for Week 1. While the exact roles of both Rodgers and White were uncertain, each was expected to play significant snaps against the Packers.

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio reportedly planned to start Nakobe Dean in place of White at middle linebacker prior to his injury, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Yet, Rodgers was projected to start opposite star cornerback Darius Slay on the outside when the Eagles were in nickel formations. Now, Quinyon Mitchell and Kelee Ringo will be forced to grow up quickly against the upstart Packers.

Mitchell has quickly ascended to a starting role in Philadelphia despite Fangio’s preference to bring rookies along slowly. The No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has impressed Fangio, who was asked about how Mitchell has proven himself thus far.

“He’s just played well,” Fangio said. “He’s done a good job picking up his responsibilities, done a good job playing, and he will be out there.”

While Mitchell was expected to start for the Eagles, Ringo has earned a bigger role in Philadelphia’s secondary. Despite the additions of Mitchell, Rodgers, and Cooper DeJean, Ringo stood out during training camp and preseason action.

In 31 coverage snaps during the preseason, Ringo allowed just two receptions on nine targets for 31 receiving yards. Ringo also had one pass breakup, allowing a passer rating of just 41.4, according to PFF.

Thanks to his strong play to end last season and his hot start to 2024, Ringo is the obvious answer to replace Rodgers in Week 1. When the Eagles use nickel packages, Ringo will likely play outside opposite Slay, while Mitchell will move into the slot.

Eagles’ Youth Movement Will Be on Display in Week 1

Earlier this offseason, Roseman discussed the plethora of young talent on the team’s roster. Roseman publicly pushed for Philadelphia’s young players to see the field more in 2024.

Due to two unexpected injuries, Roseman will have his wish granted on Friday night. The Eagles could field a defense with just two players over the age of 26 — Slay and Josh Sweat.

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When Fangio opts to use a nickel formation with Mitchell and Ringo on the field, the average age of Philadelphia’s secondary will be just 25.8 years old.

Yet, the Eagles won’t only be relying on young players in the secondary. Dean, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, and Jalen Carter are all 25 years old or younger. Philadelphia’s defensive front is loaded with promising young talent.

According to Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice, the Eagles had the sixth-youngest roster in the NFL following final cuts. Their average age was just 25.6, which is the team’s lowest mark since 2012.

Yet, depending on which players the Eagles utilize in nickel formations, the average age of Philadelphia’s defense could be as young as 25.1 years old against the Packers.

While Fangio is an old-school defensive coordinator, he’ll be forced to rely on young players in Week 1. It’ll certainly be exciting to see how Philadelphia’s youthful defense performs against the Packers in a primetime matchup.