Eagles Face Injury Challenges as Xavier Gipson’s Status Remains Uncertain
PHILADELPHIA – Xavier Gipson faced a tough battle just to get dressed after the Eagles’ late Tuesday walkthrough practice. Sitting on a stool in front of his locker, he struggled to pull a T-shirt over his head using only one arm. His right arm hung limply at his side, heavily wrapped in tape, a stark reminder of the toll taken during Sunday’s game. If Gipson manages to suit up for Friday’s matchup, it would be nothing short of a miracle.
The punt returner took a heavy blow after fielding a punt at the 2-yard line, resulting in a fumble shortly thereafter. As a result, he appeared on the injury report as DNP—did not participate—during a walkthrough session that offers a mere estimation of players’ conditions. He was among five players listed as DNPs following the Eagles’ physical loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Joining him on that list were defensive end Brandon Graham (groin), tackle Lane Johnson (foot), safety Drew Mukuba (ankle), and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (shoulder/chest).
Limited Participants and Recovery Updates
The injury report also highlighted a few players listed as limited participants. Running back Saquon Barkley (groin), safety Reed Blankenship (thigh), and guard Landon Dickerson (knee) fall into that category.
Blankenship provided an update on his condition, acknowledging the impact of the injury he sustained against the Cowboys. “It was a little bit of my hamstring that got hit,” he explained. “It’s just a contusion, but it’s football. You’re going to have bumps and bruises like that. You just have to recover well, recover fast, and be ready for Friday against the Bears.”
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio expressed optimism about Blankenship’s availability for the upcoming game. “That’s kind of what the plan is now, obviously,” Blankenship added. “I felt good in walkthrough and stuff. Probably move around a little bit more tomorrow, and I’m excited about that. I’m not really going to try not to think about it and just go out there and play, and regardless of what happens, happens, but I’ll be fine.”
Meanwhile, Barkley clarified that while he was not officially injured, the groin issue has been a lingering concern for the past two weeks.
Positive News for Adoree Jackson
In a somewhat surprising turn of events, cornerback Adoree Jackson was listed as a full participant in practice despite previously being in the concussion protocol. After being evaluated during the game against Dallas, he was cleared to return, although the Eagles opted for a cautious approach, keeping him out for the remainder of that contest. According to league protocols, he had to be included on the injury report following his evaluation, but it is expected that he will not appear on Wednesday’s report.
Rookie offensive linemen Myes Hinton (back) and Willie Lampkin (knee/ankle) were also noted as full participants in practice, although both remain on injured reserve with their practice windows open.
As the Eagles prepare for their matchup against the Bears, the status of Gipson and the overall health of the team looms large, underscoring the physical toll that the season has already taken.
