The Eagles listed three key players on the gameday inactive list. Right tackle Lane Johnson is sitting out with an abdominal injury. The Eagles are hoping that he can return in time for the playoffs. Also, nickel cornerback Avonte Maddox is also expected to be out until the playoffs with a toe injury.
The other inactives were RB Trey Sermon, DE Janarius Robinson and G Sua Opeta.
The Eagles gave the practice-squad elevation to punter Brett Kern. That’s his third and final elevation. The Eagles will have to create a spot on the 53-man roster for Kern for him to play again.
For the Saints, starting safety Marcus Maye and guard Andrus Peat are sitting out with injuries. But CB Marshon Lattimore and WR Chris Olave, both listed as questionable, are playing.
3 things I’m watching
- No Minshew miscues: Gardner Minshew played a strong first game against Dallas, throwing for 355 yards and 2 TDs. But Minshew also threw 2 interceptions and was credited with a fumble on a bad exchange with Boston Scott. Minshew said he learned his lessons and will adapt.
- No Saints marching: The Eagles have the NFL’s top-ranked passing defense, allowing just 181 yards passing per game. But they got burned last week by the Cowboys, who threw for 304 yards. Dak Prescott threw a 52-yard pass to convert a 3rd-and-30. That shouldn’t happen against the Saints, who are 15th in the NFL in passing, averaging 223 yards per game.
- Gaining with Gainwell: The Eagles will no doubt try to establish the running game, but Miles Sanders was on the injury report early in the week with a knee injury. Sanders is eligible to play, but the Eagles might give more carries to Kenny Gainwell, who hasn’t had more than 39 yards in a game this season.
