The Eagles secondary wasn't the same coming out of Week 14. It won't be the same for the rest of the year.
Coach Doug Pederson confirmed safety Rodney McLeod suffered a torn ACL, cornerback Darius Slay is in the concussion protocol and cornerback Avonte Maddox will miss some time with a knee injury.
None of the three starters were able to close out Sunday's surprising win over the Saints, who were shut out in the first half before injuries started to pile up for Philadelphia. With backups Marcus Epps, K'Von Wallace and Kevon Seymour, who had not appeared in an NFL game since 2017, filling in, the Eagles managed to eke out a victory and remain just one game back in the loss column of NFC East leader Washington.
Philly will be relying heavily on such reserves in the back end of its defense while trying to make a playoff push over the final three weeks of the regular season.
Here's other injury and roster news we're tracking on Monday:
- Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (shoulder) did not return after getting injured in the first half against the Browns. The Ravens elevated tight end Eric Tomlinson from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement for Monday Night Football.
- The Cleveland Browns elevated wide receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley to their active roster from the practice squad for MNF. The Browns also activated guard Wyatt Teller from the reserve/COVID-19 list, per the wire.
- The hope is that Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey will practice Tuesday and have a chance to play Saturday versus the Packers, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Wide receiver D.J. Moore is also expected to come off the reserve/COVID-19 list in time to play, Rapoport added. Carolina is waiving Kosovo-born practice-squad kicker Lirim Hajrullahu because of an issue with his work visa, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
- San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel will likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering his second hamstring injury of the season, according to coach Kyle Shanahan. "We'd have to make the playoffs for him to come back," Shanahan told reporters. Tight end George Kittle, who was placed on IR on Nov. 5 with a broken bone in his foot, has a chance to return to practice this week, per Shanahan. The 49ers also waived defensive end Alex Barrett and defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun.
- The Houston Texans released kicker Brett Maher from the practice squad. The former Cowboys special teamer signed with Houston in October. Standout safety Justin Reid will miss the remainder of the season due to a hand injury he suffered on Sunday, Rapoport reported, per an informed source. Reid, 23, logged 83 tackles, two sacks and and four passes defensed in 13 starts this season.
- Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford's status is in doubt for Sunday against the Titans, but he hasn't been ruled out yet, Rapoport and Pelissero reported. Stafford is tough and has played through a lot, but he was in a ton of pain last night after his rib injury, Rapoport added. Chase Daniel would step in.
- Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio said cornerbacks Duke Dawson and Kevin Toliver suffered season-ending knee injuries. An MRI revealed a torn ACL for Dawson, per Rapoport. Offensive tackle Garett Bolles and tight end Noah Fant have returned to Denver after feeling ill and spending the night in Charlotte; they have tested negative for COVID-19, per NFL Network's James Palmer. Linebacker Von Miller began running last week but is not expected to play Saturday versus the Bills. Broncos kicker Brandon McManus tweeted that he is going on the reserve/COVID-19 list as a close contact, but plans to play Saturday. Denver later confirmed McManus' addition to the list.
- Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told 710 ESPNSeattle it's a "really positive sign" that offensive lineman Brandon Shell's ankle isn't feeling worse Monday after he exited Seattle's win over the Jets early. Carroll later told reporters during his weekly press conference that defensive end Carlos Dunlap (foot) is planning on playing this week, but the team will know more by Wednesday. Dunlap missed Sunday's game versus the Jets.
- Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera said quarterback Alex Smith's calf injury is still being evaluated. Smith exited late in the first half and did not return in his team's win over the 49ers.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said running back Ronald Jones might have fractured a pinkie Sunday and they are waiting to see if he needs a pin inserted.
- Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant (hamstring) is considered week to week and his status for Sunday versus the Patriots is iffy at best, Rapoport reported.
- New York Jets coach Adam Gase said wide receiver Denzel Mims is back with the team after leaving last week to deal with a personal issue. New York claimed kicker Chase McLaughlin and defensive lineman Trevon Coley.
- Dallas Cowboys cornerback Saivion Smith played through a broken hand in a win Sunday versus the Bengals, Rapoport reported. He might not miss time, Rapoport added.
- The Minnesota Vikings have waived wideout Tajae Sharpe, who they had signed in free agency, Rapoport reported. His destination will be known tomorrow. The team is also planning ton bring in kicker Taylor Bertolet for a tryout, per the transaction wire.
- The Las Vegas Raiders waived guard Patrick Omameh.
- The Los Angeles Rams placed practice squad tight end Kendall Blanton on the reserve/COVID-19 list, per the transaction wire.
