Head coach Doug Pederson addressed the media on Friday for the final time ahead of this Sunday's clash with the Dallas Cowboys.
Pederson had some good news on the injury front. Wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to a foot injury. Pederson said it was not a concern for Sunday's game. Arcega-Whiteside was limited again on Friday for precautionary reasons, but is not listed on the Game Status report which means he will be available.
Defensive end Derek Barnett was limited in his first practice since he suffered an ankle injury against Miami on December 1. Barnett is questionable for Sunday's game. Vinny Curry has started in Barnett's absence.
Pederson said that tackle Lane Johnson is "trending in the right direction," but is the only Eagles player who is officially out for Sunday's game. Halapoulivaati Vaitai will start again at right tackle.
Cornerback Avonte Maddox was added to the injury report on Friday as a limited participant with a knee injury. Maddox is questionable for the game. Cre'Von LeBlanc can play in the slot and already mixes in at that position depending on the subpackage.
Wide receiver Nelson Agholor did not practice all week due to a knee injury and is questionable. The same goes for running back Jordan Howard, who is limited in practice, but has yet to be cleared for contact with a shoulder injury. Greg Ward is in line to start in the slot for Agholor, while Miles Sanders is set to be the featured back if Howard is unable to go.
From the Cowboys' standpoint, Pederson fully expects Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott to play despite a shoulder injury that's limited him in practice.
"He's a tough kid. He's not going to miss this game," the head coach said.
Only three players missed practice Thursday for the Cowboys: linebackers Joe Thomas (knee) and Leighton Vander Esch (neck), and cornerback C.J. Goodwin (thumb).
The Eagles understand that this is a must-win game as a Dallas victory will give the Cowboys the NFC East title and end Philly's playoff hopes. The Eagles have lost the last three meaningful games in this rivalry.
"The Cowboys have been a team that we've struggled with, honestly," Pederson said.
