The Eagles’ top punt returner and rotational wide receiver could be headed to injured reserve.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ team health took a big hit with multiple key players getting injured during the Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints. Here’s one update while we wait to hear more on others.
Britain Covey suffered a broken bone in his shoulder and expects to miss at least six weeks. This much according to Merrill Reese, who said he heard directly from Covey, while speaking on KYW Newsradio (hat tip to Rob Tornoe).
Indeed, Covey was seen wearing a sling around his left arm after the game.
One would figure the Eagles will place Covey on injured reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games. The Eagles also have a bye in Week 5, so, perhaps he might only have to miss five games over the next six weeks.
Covey’s injury comes at an especially bad time for the Eagles with A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) also banged up. It’s unclear if either of the team’s top two receivers will be able to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4.
If not, the Eagles are left with just two healthy receivers on the active roster: Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson. The Eagles could look to promote Parris Campbell from the practice squad to fill the spot that Covey leaves behind if he goes on IR. They could also temporarily elevate one or two of their other three practice squad receivers: Danny Gray, Kyle Philips, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. Philips profiles as a Covey simulacrum.
The Eagles will likely let Cooper DeJean handle punt returns in Covey’s absence. DeJean was first up in that role when Covey left the Saints game early.
Covey’s absence is an unfortunate development for a player who was earning more playing time in the offense. He was also arguably the best punt returner in the NFL last season.
The good news is that it seems like Covey’s injury won’t be a season-ending issue.
