The Philadelphia Eagles are Flying High after the win Monday Night (Oct. 23) against the Washington Redskins. Carson Wentz was a magician, throwing for four touchdowns and having a near perfect performance. Their 34-24 win did come at a cost, as two of their key players went down with injuries. LT Jason Peters and LB Jordan Hicks are both out for the rest of the season after they suffered lower body injuries. The Eagles will need to regroup and find players to fill these holes quickly, as these two were the unsung heroes on their side of the ball.
Clipped wings
Hicks suffered the injury two plays into the Eagles' Monday night contest against the Redskins. He couldn't put pressure on his right leg and had to be helped off the field. Head coach Doug Pederson told ESPN reporters Tuesday that Hicks has a ruptured Achilles and will be out for the remainder of the season. Hicks has been battling ankle and calf injuries for several weeks. He has been a great player for the Eagles, ranking fourth on the team in tackles. Hicks was beginning to come into his own this season, as he is one of the Eagles best defensive players.
Peters went down in the third quarter after Ziggy Hood rolled onto Peters' knee. He was down for several minutes and had to be carted off the field.
He has suffered injuries to his MCL and ACL and is done for the season. Peters has been a nine-time pro-bowler and has been the anchor of the Eagles O-line. Peters was surrounded by teammates and coaches as he was placed on the cart, showing how much he means to that team.
Replacement plan
With both players done for the season, the Eagles need to have a replacement plan for their injured stars.
Jason Peters was replaced by Halapoulivaati Vaitai in the game, who played very well. Right tackle Lane Johnson might be the long-term fix for Philadelphia, as he played well at right tackle and might have to make the switch to left tackle to protect Wentz's blind side. There didn't seem to be a dip in protection with Vaitai at the left tackle spot, so the Eagles might be better off keeping that lineup.
As for Hicks, the Eagles have two options for his replacement. Najee Good and Joe Walker played in Hicks' place yesterday and they seemed to do well against the Redskins offense. Pederson did say that he expects to find the replacements for both players in-house. The Eagles are sitting at the top of the NFC, but will these injuries cost them a chance at the NFC title? With Wentz controlling the offense, that might not even come close to happening.
