Eagles Getting Healthier for Green Bay
PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - The Eagles expect to get back key contributors on both sides of the football on Thursday night in Green Bay.
As expected Kamu Grugier-Hill will be back after missing the first three games of the season with an MCL sprain suffered in training camp.
Even bigger is the expected presence of receiver Alshon Jeffery, who left the Week 2 game in Atlanta after a handful of snaps with a calf injury and subsequently missed Sunday's game against Detroit.
Jeffery was wearing a sleeve on his left calf for Tuesday's walkthrough practice and was estimated as a full participant.
Earlier Tuesday Doug Pederson told the Green Bay media on a conference call that he expects Jeffery to play but DeSean Jackson (abdomen) will miss another week and is on track for a Week 5 return against the New York Jets.
The tea leaves also became clearer when the Eagles waived receiver Greg Ward in order to promote cornerback Craig James, who is needed due to a hamstring injury that will keep Ronald Darby on the sidelines.
Running back Corey Clement, who was estimated as not participating Monday, was upgraded to limited with a shoulder injury, joining defensive end Derek Barnett, who is dealing with a balky ankle.
Joining Jackson on the DNP list was Darby and defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (foot), who both are out for extended periods. The starters at outside corner are expected to be Rasul Douglas and Sidney Jones, with the latter taking over for Darby at left corner. Avonte Maddox will continue to handle the slot work and James bolsters the depth. Malcolm Jenkins is also available to play some slot in the big nickel.
Other full participants Tuesday were receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (heel), T Andre Dillard (knee), LB Nathan Gerry (calf, knee), TE Dallas Goedert (calf), and QB Nate Sudfeld (left wrist)
-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen