The Eagles are headed into the gulag. This afternoon kicks off the most difficult 5 game stretch for the Philadelphia Eagles this season as they face the 6-3 Cleveland Browns. Cleveland is the most winnable game of this stretch and if the Eagles want any shot at the playoffs a victory here is a must.

When: 1:00

Where: FirstEnergy Stadium Cleveland

Channel: FOX

After losing 27-17 last Sunday, the Eagles now are 3-5-1 but still lead the NFC East. There are concerns across the board but mainly on the coaching staff. Doug Pederson has been the face of controversy as there has been no real identity to this offense. Carson Wentz had great flashes out of the pocket but was rarely able to play that style of offense.

COVID-19 has also greatly hurt Philadelphia. JJ Arcega Whiteside, who was a healthy scratch last week tested positive for Coronavirus. Corey Clement, Vinny Curry, and Deontay Burnett have been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list alongside Whiteside. Quarterbacks coach Press Taylor and wide receivers coach Aaron Moorehead are not traveling also.

Cleveland has their own COVID issues also. Star defensive end Myles Garrett, who leads the NFL with 9.5 sacks is out after testing positive. Offensive linemen Chris Hubbard and fullback Andy Janovich are also out with COVID. 

Injury wise, Philadelphia will be without special teamer Rudy Ford this week alongside Craig James. Isaac Seumalo is expected to return at guard this week being lifted off of injured reserve. Zach Ertz was given the 21-day practice window but likely isn’t ready to return to play just yet.

Browns guard Wyatt Teller and linebacker Mack Wilson are questionable for Cleveland. They also recently lost Odell Beckham Jr. to a torn ACL as well.

The key player to watch on Cleveland is running back Nick Chubb. The 24-year-old returned from injured reserve this past week and continues to have a dominant season. Chubb is 1st in yards per carry for running backs and 3rd in average yards per game, behind only Dalvin Cook and Derrick Henry.

If Philadelphia gets their act together they can put up a fight, but things seem very gloomy right now for the Eagles.

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini