The Eagles short-handed offense is about to become more of an issue.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ quest to return to the postseason is far from over. That said, if the offense wants to fly, they’ll be missing two focal pieces.
Philadelphia (1-4-1) will now be without both tight end Zach Ertz and running back Miles Sanders for Thursday night’s game against the New York Giants, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. Both left Sunday’s 30-28 loss against the Baltimore Ravens after Sanders hurt his knee and Ertz injured his ankle.
According to Mortensen, Ertz will miss three-to-four weeks following his MRI on Monday. Prior to leaving Sunday, the eight-year veteran finished with four catches for 33 yards. On the season, Ertz has tallied 28 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown.
Sanders, who finished Sunday with 118 yards off nine carries, is expected to return sooner rather initially planned.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it looks as if the second-year running back will miss Thursday due to a short week, but is set to return when Philadelphia host the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 1. Sanders, the team’s leading rusher, currently has 71 carries for 434 yards and three touchdowns. No other Philadelphia running back has surpassed 100 yards.
Both positions leave some concerns for an offense that currently ranks 21st in total yards. Neither position has quality depth at the moment, with Corey Clement and Boston Scott likely playing in a “running back by committee” format. At tight end, Philadelphia was already limted as the team’s second option, Dallas Goedert, has been on the injured reserved since Week 3 with an ankle fracture.
On a positive note, the third-year pro is eligible to come off the IR in time for Thursday’s showdown per Mike Kaye of NJ.com.