The Washington Commanders have enjoyed better luck than most on the injury front this season. However, head coach Dan Quinn is navigating some rough waters in this regard entering Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
No player or team is 100 percent healthy at this late stage of the season. Bodies are aching and those out of playoff contention are eagerly anticipating some much-needed offseason rest. That might have to wait for the Commanders, who remain in the seventh seed with the postseason in sight.
Quinn's squad is ahead of schedule in Year 1 of such a drastic rebuild. That doesn't detract from the potential disappointment if the Commanders don't reach the knockout rounds after a memorable campaign to date.
Running back Austin Ekeler and wide receiver Noah Brown are on injured reserve and unlikely to participate again this season. Veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen returned to practice this week, but Quinn opted not to risk him in Week 16 for fear of doing damage to the torn pectoral suffered in Week 6 at the Baltimore Ravens.
Two players are questionable this weekend. Experienced Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz sustained a concussion at the New Orleans Saints last time out and was a limited participant in practice throughout the week. However, the former second-round selection out of Stanford is trending towards playing according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Jeremy Chinn also suffered a concussion at the Caesars Superdome. The explosive safety does his best work at the defensive second level, which will be needed versus the Eagles' potent running back Saquon Barkley. His full participation in Friday's practice suggests he's going in the right direction.
Aside from that, it's all systems go. Make no mistake, if the Commanders want to enhance their postseason chances and prevent Philadelphia from winning the NFC East at Northwest Stadium, it's going to take a collective effort.
Let's see who's missing out...
Full list of inactive Commanders players in Week 16
- WR K.J. Osborn
- QB Jeff Driskel
- CB Michael Davis
- LB Dominique Hampton
- OL Chris Paul
- DT Phidarian Mathis
Via the Commanders website.
Full list of active Eagles players in Week 16
- QB Tanner McKee (3rd QB)
- WR Britain Covey
- CB Eli Ricks
- OL Nick Gates
- OL Darian Kinnard
- OL Trevor Keegan
Via John McMullen of Sports Illustrated.