This past weekend, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Philadelphia Eagles left Jason Peters is being placed on injured reserve with a toe injury. That will cost Peters at least three weeks of action.
The injury bug has had its way with the Eagles this year and has become an annual tradition during the Howie Roseman era. With Peters being added to the list, that puts 16 players on the sidelines in total. When the team was healthy for a short amount of time, it struggled to click on either side of the ball. Defensively, linebacker Nate Gerry has been a liability in coverage which opposing offenses have taken advantage of.
After a 1-2-1 start Howie Roseman, a man once praised for his success in free agency, must get back into Philadelphia’s good graces. To save what has looked like a sinking boat, here are some moves we can possibly see before the trade deadline.
Dante Pettis, wide receiver
The best wide receiver the Eagles have on this beat up roster is Greg Ward Jr. This is no way a shot at Ward, who was a hero for the team last season. But it is no secret the Eagles need more fire power. Coincidentally, the 49ers have also been hit by an injury wave this season.
Luckily, they have found life at the wide receiver position with Kendrick Bourne and rookie Brandon Aiyuk. They now have their stud back in Deebo Samuel along with the matchup nightmare George Kittle at tight end. With their arsenal of pass catchers, the offensive skill-position group is crowded and could be pushing guys like Pettis out. Pettis is a former second-round pick who has underperformed in San Francisco. A new location can give Pettis a fresh start and give the Eagles some much needed youth at wide receiver.
Denzel Perryman, linebacker
Perryman is set to become a free agent in 2021 and Chargers could be looking to get some value for him. In March, the Chargers’ front office restructured Perryman’s deal that guaranteed less money. Instead, the deal added incentives for Perryman to earn the $6 million he was originally set to make. The Eagles desperately need help at the linebacker position. The team took the talents of Jordan Hicks, Kamu Grugier-Hill and LJ Fort all for granted and as a result have a serious lack of talent and experience. Last season, Perryman had 64 tackles along with a forced fumble and an interception. Pro Football Focus also graded Perryman with a 81.1 last season. It’s a drastic upgrade from Nate Gerry, who is graded at a 45.1.
Curtis Samuel, wide receiver
Samuel has ended up being the odd-man out in Joe Brady’s new system. A decrease in targets has led to a lack of production with only 14 this year after ending the 2019 season with over 100 targets. The big-play opportunities have been limited as a result of acquiring Robby Anderson in the offseason.
Despite the loss of Christian McCaffery to injury, Samuel still has not been one of Teddy Bridgewater’s top options. Last season, Samuel looked like a swiss army knife with his production at receiver and from the backfield. He finished the season with 54 receptions for over 600 yards and six touchdowns. He also added 19 rushes and a rushing touchdown. The former Ohio State receiver ran a 4.3 40 yard dash at the combine and the Eagles could use his speed and versatility. Not to mention, he’s only 24 and hasn’t suffered an injury since 2017.
The trade deadline is November 3rd. With several Eagles out multiple weeks, it would be shocking and downright embarrassing if Howie Roseman does not help this team.