Eagles Training Camp: Two defensive linemen sidelined with injuries
The highly anticipated commencement of padded practices yielded mixed results for the Philadelphia Eagles. While the 90-minute session was largely comprised of encouraging progress from several members of the 2020 draft class, it also included some unfavorable news that has become overly familiar.
According to ESPN's Tim McManus, prized free-agent acquisition Javon Hargrave sustained a pec strain on Monday, and is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks. McManus also notes that the injury will not require surgery.
Coming off a career season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 27-year-old interior defender inked a three-year, $39 million deal in March to provide a formidable complement to Fletcher Cox. The defensive tackle position has been decimated by injuries in recent years, forcing Cox to occupy 1,629 snaps over the past two seasons.
With the season opener slated for Sept. 13, there is a distinct possibility that Hargrave may not be available. In the interim, expect an extended look at veteran Hassan Ridgeway, as well as bubble players like Anthony Rush and Raequan Williams, who suddenly have a feasible path to the final roster.
The interior wasn't the only position on the defensive line that suffered a blow on Monday, however. Enigmatic defensive end Derek Barnett will accompany Hargrave on the sideline. The 24-year-old edge rusher is listed as week-to-week with a lower body injury.
With Barnett on the mend, the team's young nucleus of pass rushers -- including Genard Avery, Shareef Miller, and Joe Ostman -- will have opportunities to emerge.
The initial injury report also included right guard Jason Peters (lower body), wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (lower body), and linebacker Duke Riley (illness). Peters and Arcega-Whiteside are both listed as day-to-day.