Eagles Injury Updates: Pederson Expects Jackson, Johnson to Play

The Eagles have been short-handed virtually all season, but are slowing getting some guys back on the field ahead of Thursday's tilt with the Giants.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday that both DeSean Jackson and right tackle Lane Johnson seem on track to play on Thursday night.

"I think DeSean is closer, he had a really good week of practice. So, anticipate him, anticipate Lane as well. Both had a really good week."

Pederson said with Johnson missing last week, that he feels comfortable that he will be able to make it through the full game, after he left the game in Pittsburgh.

"As far as Lane goes, I do feel comfortable," Pederson said. "Obviously with him missing last week and this being a short week getting him the rest, I do feel comfortable and confident. Obviously, anything is possible, so don't quote me on that."

As far as who might play next to Johnson at right guard, Pederson said he is going to keep that close to the vest for now.

The options seem to be either moving Nate Herbig from left guard, over to right guard and using Sua Opeta at left guard. Another option would be plugging Matt Pryor back in at right guard after he missed last weeks game with an illness. Jamon Brown, who really struggled, started in his place.

"As far as right guard, left guard, center and all that, I'm going to keep that close to the vest and reveal any information there," Pederson stated.

As for wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, it appears it might be at least another week before he can get back out on the field.

"Alshon still with a short week, it's just hard to get him the reps that he needs. So, leaning towards out with Alshon," Pederson admitted.

Pederson also said that he wasn't going to put a timetable on either Dallas Goedert and Jalen Reagor, but said both are doing well and their on schedule, keeping the door open that they could play on Thursday.  Of the two, Goedert would have a better shot at playing than Reagor.

Cornerback Avonte Maddox is another player who Pederson says he anticipates playing, along with linebacker Duke Riley.

"I anticipate him (Maddox) being available for this football game," said Pederson." Duke Riley was another one that missed this past week and anticipate his injury to be okay, to where he can play. So yeah, we're getting a few guys back in the lineup this week that can help us. But again, a short week, it's going to take everybody."

As for Miles Sanders, Zach Ertz and Malik Jackson, Pederson did confirm they will all miss the game, but are not going to go on the injured reserve at this time.

"All three of those guys will definitely miss this week," Pederson said. "We'll see where they're at. We got some time now before we play our next opponent. We get time to kind of rest and heal some of these guys. We'll evaluate that again next Wednesday, when we get back on the practice field."