Packers Look Hobbled for Thursday, Eagles Look to Prey
As the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles get ready for their Thursday night matchup, both teams are loaded with injuries. | Credit: Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP
The Green Bay Packers have a good shot to slide through the NFL’s week four undefeated. The only thing standing in their way is a Philadelphia Eagles team who’s pissed off from their two losses so far this season. Both teams have one thing in common: they are banged up.
Injuries Are Piling Up on Both Sides
The Eagles are limping into week four with several key starters set to miss time. Veteran wide-receiver DeSean Jackson, who returned to the Eagles this year, is still looking to get on track. He’ll have to keep looking as he’s doubtful against the Packers. Starting cornerback Ronald Darby and backup defensive tackle Tim Jernigan are listed as out. Starting defensive end Derek Barnett is listed as questionable.
On the plus side, the Eagles feel confident that they’ll get their star wide receiver, Alshon Jeffrey, back this week. This could provide a big shot of confidence for Eagles QB Carson Wentz, who’s receiving corps has been in tatters all year.
Green Bay, on the other hand, is loaded with question marks. Starting tight-end Jimmy Graham and right tackle Bryan Bulaga are listed as questionable. Meanwhile, on defense, nose tackle Kenny Clark, defensive end Montravius Adams, and linebackers Blake Martinez and Za’Darius Smith are all listed as questionable. Linebacker Oren Burks is listed as doubtful.
Packers are Favored
The Packers have defeated the Eagles five of the past six times they’ve played. Oddsmakers don’t see Thursday as any different. Green Bay is favored by 4.5 points.
Don’t count Philly out yet, though. Even though they’re 1-2 to start the year, their record is deceiving. They’ve only been outscored by two points total. The Packers have actually scored almost 20 points less than them through the first three games. Green Bay’s tepid offense has averaged the fifth least yards-per-game so far. While the Packers do have the second-stingiest defense in terms of points allowed, they could potentially lose five defensive starters for this game.
Eagles Have Hope
If that’s the case, then QB Carson Wentz and Alshon Jeffrey have a chance to go off. This team is only two years removed from an epic Super Bowl win over the juggernaut New England Patriots. The Eagles, who were unanimously chosen to win the NFC East by CBS Sports analysts , have too much pride to lay an egg this week. Expect a real battle.
