Eagles 53-man roster vs. Rams: News and notes for Week 12

Oct 8, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (0) defends against Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

 In last season’s game in Los Angeles, Hurts passed for 303 yards, ran for 72 yards, and got a win over Matthew Stafford.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Darius Slay #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles waits at the line of scrimmage during a 23-14 Eagles win over the Los Angeles Ramsat SoFi Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The veteran cornerback could see most of the targets against Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 24: Nolan Smith Jr. #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes the passer against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 24, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Vikings defeated the Eagles 26-3. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Smith has posted a sack in three straight games.

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles place kicker Jake Elliott (4) lines up a field goal against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Elliott will look to rebound after three missed kicks in the win over Washington.

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) picks up yards after catch against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Eagles star wide receiver will miss his second NFL game, this time with a hamstring injury.

Oct 20, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) throws the ball during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 10: C.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Eagles have the No. 1 defense in the NFL, and their safety duo is a significant part of their success.

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles punter Braden Mann (10) punts the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) reacts after his first down catch against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

A.J. Brown ranks 1st in the NFL among players with 30+ receptions and an 18.7 receiving average. Brown (team-leading 618 receiving yards) also ranks 4th overall in receiving yards per game (88.3), behind Nico Collins (103.5), Ja’Marr Chase (96.0), and Justin Jefferson (91.2).

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Kenneth Gainwell #14 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball against Percy Butler #35 and Benjamin St-Juste #25 of the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Gainwell has averaged 4.7 yards per carry during the season, using his downhill running style.

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (16) before action against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Nakobe Dean #17 and Darius Slay Jr. #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate as they play the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Dean has played a significant role in Philadelphia, having the NFL’s top-ranked defense. In the six regular-season games since the Eagles’ Week 5 bye, Dean has logged 50 tackles (31 solo), including 2.0 sacks, three pass defenses (including one interception), and one fumble recovery.

Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (18) runs a pass back against New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Covey returns to the Eagles lineup for the first time since breaking his shoulder in the win over the Saints.

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Josh Sweat (19) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Josh Sweat ranks T-6th in the NFL with a team-leading 6.0 sacks since Week 4, recording sacks in four of his last six games.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 03: Sydney Brown #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after forcing a fumble in the first quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field on November 03, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo (22) celebrates after his fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Eli Ricks (23) looks on during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Barkley leads the NFL in scrimmage yards per game (134.7) and rushing yards per game (113.7). In Week 11 vs. Washington, he reached 1,000+ rushing yards for the fourth time in his career, having previously done so in 2018 (1,307), 2019 (1,003) and 2022 (1,312). Barkley is the second player in franchise history to produce 1,000+ rushing yards through 10 games, joining LeSean McCoy in 2011.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Quinyon Mitchell #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles covers Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Quinyon Mitchell is the only NFL CB with 375+ coverage snaps and 0 passing TDs allowed this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Mitchell, who has limited opponents to a 51.1% completion percentage and 71.4 passer rating, also ranks 2nd among NFL CBs with a 23.4%forced incompletion percentage, behind Denzel Ward (31.3%) (min. 30 targets). Overall, the rookie ranks 3rd among NFL CBs with 11 forced incompletions, trailing only Ward (15) and Paulson Adebo (12).

Oct 20, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (28) carries the ball against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) avoids the tackle of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) scores a td against Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Philadelphia’s defense has cranked up the intensity with takeaways in the last four games, and Blankenship has been key.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Cooper DeJean #33 of the Philadelphia Eagles is called for pass interference against Noah Brown #85 of the Washington Commanders during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

DeJean was selected No. 40 overall and has started in five out of the last six games as the nickel cornerback. DeJean has also been returning punts in the absence of Britain Covey, averaging 11.8 yards per return.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 27: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by Isaiah Rodgers #34 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

American Football – NFL – Philadelphia Eagles v Green Bay Packers – Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo, Brazil – September 6, 2024 Philadelphia Eagles’ Tristin McCollum reacts REUTERS/Carla Carniel

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 24: Oren Burks #42 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Jaren Hall #16 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on August 24, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 15: Rick Lovato #45 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

CINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 27: Cam Jurgens #51 of the Philadelphia Eagles prepares to snap the ball during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Zack Baun #53 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a fourth-down stop against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Baun ranks 5th in the NFL (1st in NFC) with 101 tackles, behind Roquan Smith (110), Zaire Franklin (109), Logan Wilson (104) and Nick Cross (102). Baun is the second NFL LB since 1999 to produce 100+ tackles, 3+ FFs, 2.0+ sacks, 1+ INT, and 1+ FR through 10 games, joining Shaquille Leonard (2018). The only Eagle during that stretch to ever reach those marks in a full season was Jeremiah Trotter (1999).

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 24: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. #54 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half of the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 24, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders is sacked by Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Tyler Steen (56) stands on the sidelines during the first half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back DeWayne McBride (27) is brought down by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Ben VanSumeren (57) and cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 03: Jalyx Hunt #58 and Kelee Ringo #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate after Ringo’s fumble recovery in the first quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field on November 03, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

With Bryce Hunt on IR, Hunt could see more snaps as an edge rusher.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 22: Thomas Booker IV #59 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a win against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 22, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/Getty Images)

Nov 10, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Nick Gates (61) and center Cam Jurgens (51) and guard Landon Dickerson (69) stand on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Johnson is among the highest-graded offensive tackles in the NFL.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Jordan Mailata #68 of the Philadelphia Eagles blocks Dante Fowler Jr. #6 of the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (69) against the Miami Dolphins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Darian Kinnard (72) blocks New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 20: Fred Johnson #74 of the Philadelphia Eagles defends against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium on October 20, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (77) against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Max Scharping (50) and guard Trevor Keegan (79) protect against New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 03: Grant Calcaterra #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a pass in the first quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field on November 03, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 03: Devin Lloyd #33 of the Jacksonville Jaguars tackles Ainias Smith #82 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 03, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

 DeVonta Smith has been battling a hamstring injury and is out, so Jahan Dotson moves into a starting role opposite A.J. Brown, and the Eagles have to shuffle their wide receiver order.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch against Frankie Luvu #4 of the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Goedert ranks 4th among NFL TEs in receiving yards per game (55.3), trailing only Brock Bowers (70.6), George Kittle (70.0) and Trey McBride (61.3). He also ranks 10th among TEs in yards (387).

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 22: Johnny Wilson #89 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 22, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 13: Jordan Davis #90 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after the Cleveland Browns miss a field goal during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 13, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 10: Milton Williams #93 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo (97) walks off the field after win against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders tackled by Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)