The Philadelphia Eagles are taking the conservative approach with three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown's hamstring injury.
He told ESPN's Lisa Salters that he "expects to miss a couple weeks" with the hamstring injury/soreness he felt in practice Friday. Brown popped up on Philadelphia's injury report as a limited practice participant Friday before not practicing at all Saturday. Week 2's "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Atlanta Falcons is the first game Brown has missed since becoming an Eagle in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in 2022.
Brown's 119 receiving yards and a touchdown on five catches helped power the Eagles to a 34-29 victory in Brazil in Week 1. Philadelphia will miss Brown's big-play ability: his 34 catches of 25 or more yards since joining the Eagles in 2022 are the second-most in the NFL behind Tyreek Hill's 36 such catches. Brown's 87.7 receiving yards per game since 2022 rank as the fourth-most in the entire league. He signed a new three-year, $96 million contract extension with the team in April after recording more than 1,400 receiving yards in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Receiver DeVonta Smith, the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft will be asked to step up in Brown's absence. Smith and former Eagles great DeSean Jackson are the only players in franchise history with at least 900 receiving yards in each of their first three seasons in the league after being drafted by Philadelphia.
AJ Brown Injury Timeline
The Eagles are approaching Brown's hamstring injury cautiously, opting to hold him out of Monday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. While reports suggested a potential return for Week 3, Brown's statement indicates a longer absence.
The Injury
Brown's hamstring issue first surfaced during Friday's practice, causing him to be limited in participation. He was subsequently ruled out for Saturday's practice, ultimately leading to his absence on Monday night.
Initial Reports
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported earlier in the week that the Eagles considered pushing Brown to play against the Falcons, but ultimately decided against it. This suggests a potential return for Week 3 was initially considered. However, Brown's statement suggests a more extended recovery period.
Impact On The Eagles' Offense
AJ Brown's absence creates a significant void in the Eagles' offensive game plan. His absence impacts the Eagles' offense in several ways:
Big Play Threat
Brown's ability to stretch the field and make big plays is a crucial element of the Eagles' offense. His 34 catches of 25 or more yards since joining the Eagles in 2022 are a testament to his explosiveness. His absence will force the Eagles to rely more on shorter passes and find creative ways to generate explosive plays.
Target Share
Brown's departure will result in an increased target share for other receivers, notably DeVonta Smith. Smith, a proven playmaker in his own right, will need to step up and shoulder a greater offensive responsibility. Other receivers like Jahan Dotson and Parris Campbell will also see an increase in opportunities.
The Need for Adaptability
The Eagles' offense will need to adjust to life without Brown. This will likely involve incorporating more short-to-intermediate passing plays to take advantage of the strengths of their other receivers. Jalen Hurts, the Eagles' quarterback, will need to be even more precise in his throws and make sure his receivers are well-positioned for success.
The Falcons' Game
The Eagles' loss to the Falcons was a dramatic one, with the Falcons pulling off a last-second win thanks to a game-winning drive by Kirk Cousins. While Brown's absence played a factor in the Eagles' struggles, it wasn't the sole reason for the loss. The Eagles defense had a tough time containing Cousins and the Falcons' offensive attack.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles will look to bounce back next week against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints represent a formidable opponent, so the Eagles will need to find ways to overcome Brown's absence and perform well on both sides of the ball. DeVonta Smith will be counted on to play a key role in the offense, and other receivers like Dotson and Campbell will have the opportunity to make their mark.
Brown's Impact On The Eagles
Since his arrival in 2022, Brown has been a crucial piece of the Eagles' offensive success. His ability to stretch the field, make big plays, and consistently produce has made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia. Brown's presence and contributions have been central to the Eagles' success in recent seasons.
What Does This Mean For Fantasy Football?
Brown's injury throws a wrench into many fantasy football lineups. His expected absence is a major blow to those who drafted him, and will likely force many to scramble for a replacement. DeVonta Smith becomes an attractive option, while Jahan Dotson could see his value increase as well.
Closing Thoughts: 'A.J. Brown's Hamstring Injury Is A Big Loss for the Eagles'
AJ Brown's injury is a major blow for the Eagles. His presence on the field provides a significant edge in their offensive game plan. However, the Eagles have a talented roster with a history of overcoming adversity. They'll need to rally around their quarterback, Jalen Hurts, and find ways to generate offense in Brown's absence. DeVonta Smith and other receivers will need to step up, and the Eagles' defense will need to continue playing at a high level. While Brown's absence will be felt, the Eagles are capable of finding ways to win and remain competitive in the NFC East.
