Eagles vs. Bears Injury Report: Will Philly’s Walking Wounded Show Up for Black Friday?
In the world of the NFL, the injury report is our weekly soap opera, and for the Philadelphia Eagles, this week’s episode has been a real nail-biter. Heading into a Black Friday clash with the Chicago Bears, the biggest question swirling around the City of Brotherly Love was whether star receiver DeVonta Smith would be good to go. After a week that saw him battling more ailments than a hypochondriac, Eagles fans can finally breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Smith, who apparently decided to collect injuries like they were trading cards (shoulder, chest, and a bonus illness), has officially been cleared for takeoff. He was a full participant in the final walkthrough and carries no game status. So, yes, the “Slim Reaper” will be out there, ready to give the Bears’ secondary fits. Thank goodness, because watching this offense without him is like a cheesesteak without the Whiz—it just isn’t right.
The Good, The Bad, and The Benched
While the Eagles get their top pass-catcher back, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The offensive line, a unit that’s supposed to be the team’s bedrock, is taking another hit. Right tackle Lane Johnson is still nursing a foot injury and has been ruled out for the second straight game. Let’s be honest, seeing Johnson on the sideline is about as comforting as a warm beer. Fred Johnson will step in again, and while he’s a serviceable player, he’s no Lane Johnson. Let’s hope he’s been eating his Wheaties.
Also taking a seat will be wide receiver Xavier Gipson, sidelined with a shoulder injury he picked up against Dallas on the dumbest fumble ever. And in a bit of a bummer for the rookie class, offensive lineman Myles Hinton (back) is also out. It seems the Eagles’ training room is getting more action than a Wawa on game day.
On a brighter note, a cavalry of key players is returning to full strength. Saquon Barkley (groin), Reed Blankenship (thigh), Landon Dickerson (knee), and the ageless wonder Brandon Graham (groin) all practiced in full and are set to play. The collective groan you hear is from Chicago.
How the Bears Are Faring
Speaking of Chicago, let’s not pretend they’re coming into this game at full strength. Their linebacker corps looks like it’s been through a meat grinder. They’ll be without their top four linebackers, including former Eagle T.J. Edwards. That’s like trying to stop the tush push with a line of pylons. It’s a tough look for a defense that has to face Jalen Hurts and company.
However, just to keep things interesting, the Bears are getting a boost in their secondary. Pro Bowl corner Jaylon Johnson and nickel Kyler Gordon are expected back from Injured Reserve. So, while their front seven might be patched together with duct tape and prayers, their back end just got a whole lot scarier. It’s a classic case of giving with one hand and taking away with the other.
What This Means for Friday
So what’s the takeaway from this medical drama? The Eagles are banged up, but they’re getting a crucial piece in DeVonta Smith playing. His presence alone is a massive emotional and strategic lift. This season, he’s been the guy who makes the tough catches, the one who moves the chains when it seems impossible. With 55 catches for 754 yards, he’s not just a part of the offense; in many ways, he is the offense’s pulse.
The game will likely hinge on whether the Eagles’ patched-up offensive line can give Jalen Hurts enough time to find Smith and A.J. Brown against a refortified Bears secondary. It’s a matchup of weakness against strength, and something’s got to give.
For now, Eagles fans can be thankful for one thing this holiday week: DeVonta Smith is playing. Let’s hope he’s ready to put on a show.
