Steelers vs. Eagles: Injury Updates and Key Matchups to Watch on Sunday

The Philadelphia Eagles head into Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers mostly healthy, but there are a few notable absences. Here’s the latest on both teams’ injury reports and what it means for The Battle of Pennsylvania.

Eagles Injury Report:

Out: Britain Covey (Neck)

Receiver and punt returner Britain Covey has been ruled out for the second consecutive week with a neck injury. Covey had been a full participant in practice this week, but the team is opting for caution. Cooper DeJean will handle punt return duties in his absence.

Returning: Reed Blankenship (Concussion)

The Eagles will get a big boost with safety Reed Blankenship back in action. Blankenship, who missed last week’s game against the Panthers due to a concussion, cleared protocol and practiced fully this week. He’s tied for the team lead in interceptions (3) and his return strengthens the Eagles’ secondary, which started rookie Tristin McCollum in his place last week. McCollum performed admirably in his first NFL start, but Blankenship brings experience and playmaking ability to the backend.

Other Key Updates

• Sydney Brown (Knee): The backup safety is also back after missing a game, further bolstering the Eagles’ depth.
• Johnny Wilson (Illness): The rookie receiver missed practice on Friday but is expected to play with no official game designation.

Long-Term Injuries

• TE Dallas Goedert (Knee) and DE Bryce Huff (Wrist): Both players remain on IR but are expected back before the playoffs.
• DE Brandon Graham (Triceps): The veteran is out for the season after undergoing surgery.

Steelers Injury Report

The Steelers’ injury report is a lot more concerning, with three starters ruled out:

• WR George Pickens (Hamstring): This is a significant loss for Pittsburgh. Pickens is their top receiving threat and his absence leaves a big hole in the Steelers’ passing attack.
• S DeShon Elliott (Hamstring): A key player in the secondary, Elliott’s absence weakens the Steelers’ ability to defend the Eagles’ dynamic passing game.
• DT Larry Ogunjobi (Groin): Losing a starter on the defensive line could spell trouble for a unit that will already have its hands full against the Eagles’ powerful offensive line.

For the Eagles, the return of Reed Blankenship is a major win for the Eagles’ defense, especially with Pittsburgh missing their best offensive weapon in George Pickens. Blankenship’s ability to force turnovers and his strong communication in the secondary will help the Eagles limit any big-play potential from the Steelers’ depleted offense.

On special teams, Cooper DeJean has been steady in Covey’s absence and should continue to provide reliable punt returns.

For the Steelers, without George Pickens, the Steelers’ offense becomes significantly less dynamic. Expect them to lean heavily on their run game and shorter passes to tight ends and running backs, but that’s a tough ask against an Eagles defense that thrives on stopping the run. Missing Larry Ogunjobi on the defensive line also puts more pressure on the Steelers to contain Philly’s top-tier offensive line without one of their key players in the trenches.

Classic: George Pickens is ducking Quinyon Mitchell, will NOT suit up this weekend when the Eagles host the Steelers

The Eagles enter this game as one of the healthiest teams in the league at this point in the season. With only a few key players still sidelined, they’re primed to extend their impressive run. Meanwhile, the Steelers are missing critical pieces on both sides of the ball, making an already tough matchup even harder for Pittsburgh.

If the Eagles can capitalize on these mismatches, they should walk away with another win to keep their momentum rolling.

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