Red Flags Emerging? Eagles’ First Week 18 Injury Report Raises Key Questions

Red Flags Emerging? Eagles’ First Week 18 Injury Report Raises Key Questions
The Philadelphia Eagles may be planning to rest several key starters in their Week 18 matchup against the Washington Commanders, but preparation for the regular-season finale is still very much underway. On Wednesday evening, the Eagles released their first injury report of the week, offering an early glimpse into who might — and might not — see the field on Sunday.
Because the team only held a walkthrough on Wednesday, the injury report is an estimation rather than a full reflection of on-field participation. Even so, it provides some telling clues about how the Eagles may approach the finale.
According to the report, several notable names did not participate: linebacker Nakobe Dean (hamstring), tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), right tackle Lane Johnson (foot), and outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips (ankle). Linebacker Jihaad Campbell was listed as limited with back and shoulder issues, while tackle Cameron Williams was a full participant despite a shoulder concern.
The Eagles are scheduled to return to full practices on Thursday and Friday, which will provide more clarity. However, given the team’s intent to rest starters and avoid unnecessary risk, this initial report already feels like a roadmap for Sunday.
Lane Johnson’s status is perhaps the least surprising. The veteran tackle has missed the last six games with a Lisfranc sprain, and there’s little incentive to rush him back in a game that carries minimal stakes for Philadelphia. With the postseason looming, protecting one of the league’s premier offensive linemen is an easy decision.
Nakobe Dean falls into a similar category. The linebacker sat out last week with a hamstring injury, and soft tissue issues are notoriously tricky. Even if Dean is close to ready, the Eagles are unlikely to push him in a game where health is the priority.
Jaelan Phillips’ situation is more nuanced. The edge rusher injured his ankle in Buffalo but managed to play through it, even recording pressure on the Bills’ failed, game-sealing two-point conversion. Still, Phillips has already logged 17 games this season due to the timing of his midseason trade and the Eagles’ bye week. If anyone has earned a breather, it’s him.
Dallas Goedert’s knee injury also bears watching. The tight end has been one of the steadier presences on offense, appearing in 15 of 16 games this season. If his injury occurred late in the game, as it appears, the Eagles would be wise to err on the side of caution and sit him rather than risk aggravation.
The most intriguing name on the report is Jihaad Campbell. At just 21 years old, the rookie stepped into the starting lineup last week in place of Dean and could benefit from additional reps. However, if his back and shoulder issues are legitimate concerns, the Eagles may decide to hold him out as well. That would leave Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon to handle linebacker duties against Washington.
Ultimately, while the Eagles can’t rest everyone, this injury report strongly suggests that anyone dealing with even a minor issue will be sidelined. With bigger goals ahead, Week 18 looks less like a proving ground and more like a strategic pause before the real battles begin.