Due to injury, the Eagles did not have two safeties when they played the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. They lost another safety early in the game, who was a vital member of the secondary and was known for his toughness.
Eagles safety during the first quarterIn the middle of the field, C.J. Gardner-Johnson made an attempt to tackle Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette. Gardner-Johnson came up behind Legette, but safetyTristin McCollum accidentally struck Gardner-Johnson’s helmet while lowering his shoulder to complete the tackle.
After a brief period of time on the ground, Gardner-Johnson stood up and was assisted to the sidelines. An impartial neurologist evaluated him inside the blue medical tent before escorting him to the locker room for additional testing. After a while, Gardner-Johnson returned outside with his helmet. If Gardner-Johnson will return to the game is still up in the air.
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Gardner-Johnson had already had an impact earlier in the game when he delivered a forceful hit that dislodged the ball and broke up a pass meant for Legette on the Panthers’ first possession. The Eagles lack a versatile defender who can cover receivers well, shift into the slot, and offer support against the run in his absence.
In the secondary, the Eagles already lacked depth. A concussion sustained during last week’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens kept Reed Blankenship, who has started in, out of action. Sydney Brown, the first backup safety and main contributor to special teams, missed time due to a knee ailment.
Avonte Maddox, usually the backup nickel cornerback but with safety experience, Andre Sam, who was promoted from the practice squad for the first time this season, and McCollum, who started in place of Blankenship, are now the Eagles’ only options.
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