EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) – The Philadelphia Eagles will be missing two key players in Week 18 as they face off against the New York Giants. According to sources, Fletcher Cox and D’Andre Swift will be inactive for the game.
Swift, 24, had been listed as questionable due to an illness, and it has been reported that he will not be able to play. Cox, who is 33 years old, is being rested for this game despite his consistent performance throughout the season.
Swift, a native of Philadelphia, has had an impressive season in 2023, recording 1,049 yards and five touchdowns on 229 carries. Additionally, he has caught 39 passes for 214 yards and one touchdown. The Eagles will have Kenny Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Rashaad Penny as active running backs in Swift’s absence.
On the defensive side, Darius Slay and DeVonta Smith were ruled out earlier due to injuries, but there are indications that both players will be ready for the playoff game next week. Slay has been absent for four consecutive games after undergoing knee surgery, but he has returned to practice. Smith, on the other hand, suffered an ankle sprain in the previous game and will miss his first NFL game on Sunday.
Considering the upcoming playoffs, it is likely that Slay and Smith would have played had this been a playoff game. However, the decision to rest them is likely due to concerns over the quality of the turf at MetLife Stadium.
In preparation for the game, the Eagles elevated defensive back Tristan McCollum from the practice squad and included him in the active roster.
The Eagles are in a position where they will need some assistance to win the NFC East. Securing victory against the Giants is necessary, but it also requires the Dallas Cowboys to lose to the Commanders. If either of these conditions is not met, the Eagles will secure the No. 5 seed in the playoffs.
Although the Eagles will play with the intention to win, if the game becomes inconsequential in the second half, it won’t be surprising to see some of the starters being substituted.
In conclusion, the Philadelphia Eagles will be without Fletcher Cox and D’Andre Swift as they face the New York Giants in Week 18. The Eagles are pursuing a path to victory that involves both a win against the Giants and a loss for the Dallas Cowboys against the Commanders. Key players such as Darius Slay and DeVonta Smith are expected to return for the playoffs, while Fletcher Cox and D’Andre Swift will be inactive for this game.