In Week 5, the Jacksonville Jaguars will face a Philadelphia Eagles team that won't be at full strength. Not surprisingly, they're highly favored to win in London.
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith and running back Saquon Barkley probably won't suit up for Philly. Similarly, tight end Dallas Goedert and running back Tank Bigsby are on the Injury Report list. On top of that, right tackle Lane Johnson just retired, and center Cam Jurgers was just traded to the Baltimore Ravens.
If you thought things couldn't get tougher for the Eagles, they just did. Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks landed on their injury report, and there's a chance Jacksonville won't see him at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Eagles list Dontayvion Wicks on the injury report, may not play vs. the Jaguars
The Eagles dropped their injury report for Thursday practice. Dontayvion Wicks was a limited participant with a hamstring injury. This doesn't mean that he won't suit up against the Jaguars, but his odds of playing have most definitely decreased.
If Wicks isn't available, it will be a huge blow for the Eagles. With DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley likely not playing, Wicks would be Philly's best offensive player left. His 12 catches for 197 yards were the second-most on the team behind Smith.
And without Wicks, the burden will fall on quarterback Jalen Hurts to beat Jacksonville. The Eagles defense could also be without edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, so they could be without several key players in Week 5.
Safety Eric Murray remains in concussion protocol but was a limited participant in practice Thursday. That's a positive sign in his recovery. With fellow safety Caleb Ransaw on IR, though, Rayuan Lane III and Jalen Huskey may see an uptick in playing time.
Aside from Murray, cornerback Jourdan Lewis was doing individual work on the sidelines. If he and Montaric Brown aren't good to go against Philadelphia, newcomers Jaylon Jones and Alijah Huzzie could make their debut with the Jags.
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With or without Dontayvion Wicks, the Jaguars should beat the Eagles
It's not a given that Dontayvion Wicks will miss the game. But even if he does, the Jaguars cannot afford to put this matchup to waste. Their defense is dealing with a few injuries but has more than enough talent to overcome them. Cornerbacks Jarrian Jones and Travis Hunter should be able to shadow whoever lines up at receiver for Philadelphia. Similarly, Antonio Johnson remains in the back end, so their secondary can most definitely handle the Eagles offense.
Meanwhile, the Jags have more than enough firepower on offense to put points on the scoreboard. Trevor Lawrence is playing at a high level and has no shortage of weapons. And if that wasn't enough, Bhayshul Tuten has been one of the most productive running backs in the league this season.
When you add it all up, this is quickly shaping up to be a game that the Jaguars can easily win. But it will ultimately be up to them to seize the opportunity.
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