The Philadelphia Eagles will host division rival Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, but will be without one of their key starters.
Starting slot corner Avonte Maddox was placed on Injured Reserve while dealing with a hamstring injury, the team announced Monday afternoon. Maddox, one of the best at his position in the NFL, will be missed as the Birds take on the Commanders and their talented wide receiver group. The Washington trio of Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson pose challenges to a lot of secondaries each week so you would like to be at full strength if you’re the opponent. Not ideal for Philadelphia’s defensive back depth.
In a related move, the team elevated cornerback Mario Goodrich from the practice squad. Goodrich, a four-year player from Clemson University, went undrafted in April’s NFL Draft and was signed by the Eagles to the practice squad. This will be the first action for the rookie.
Maddox missed two games earlier this season in weeks four (vs Jacksonville) and five (at Arizona) due to an ankle injury suffered during practice before the Jacksonville Jaguars game. He returned to the field in week six as the Eagles hosted the Dallas Cowboys – the final game before the bye week. Backup corner Josiah Scott replaced Maddox in the lineup and did an ok job in that role. So, look for Scott to jump in there again tonight against the Commanders.
With the Eagles sporting an undefeated 8-0 record, the entire secondary has been outstanding all season developing a strong chemistry on the back end of that defense. Heading into the game against the Commanders, the Birds rank third in the league allowing 299 yards per game. They lead the entire NFL in takeaways with 15, almost doubling the next team, the Baltimore Ravens, with eight. Philadelphia has been here before adjusting to the loss of Maddox, so we’ll see if this helps them on Monday night.
The Eagles defeated the Commanders, 24-8, in Week 3 in Washington forcing one turnover and allowed just 240 total yards of total offense under the guidance of former Eagles QB Carson Wentz.