Multiple Philadelphia Eagles players have come down with flu-like symptoms heading into Sunday’s clash against the New England Patriots. How much could it affect their chances of hoisting their first Lombardi Trophy?
Like many Americans, the Eagles are being hit hard by this season’s particularly nasty flu strain.
But there’s no calling in sick on Super Bowl Sunday.
Just how serious is the illness reportedly making its way through Philadelphia’s locker room? Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan and cornerback Ronald Darby missed Thursday’s media session to recover, with Jernigan sitting out practice, as well.
Linebacker Mychal Kendricks, backup tailback Kenjon Barner and even head coach Doug Pederson have all reportedly been battling symptoms, while wideout Nelson Agholor had to receive an IV on Saturday morning after feeling “sick and weak”:
“I’m getting over it right now,” Kendricks said Thursday. “It’s like a cold, dude. I don’t know. The whole team has it, though,” he added, a bit hyperbolically.
Kendricks also noted that he doesn’t think the team caught the illness in Minneapolis, but rather brought it with them from Philadelphia.
Whether Eagles players have come down with colds or an actual flu strain is an important distinction in terms of how it could affect their play Sunday. According to the CDC, a flu virus is distinct from a cold virus in that it comes on suddenly; usually brings on a fever, body aches, and chills; and can have serious associated complications such as dehydration, pneumonia, or bacterial infections.
Without speculating, the fact that Agholor received fluids on Saturday indicates that his illness is more serious in nature. Needless to say, he’ll be one of Nick Foles’ most crucial weapons in keeping pace with Tom Brady and the Patriots on the scoreboard Sunday night.
At least the players will be toasty on the sidelines at U.S. Bank Stadium, which has a fixed roof. That’s a blessing for Super Bowl LII, which is in the running to be the coldest Super Bowl on record with a forecasted low of 1 degree and a wind chill of minus-15 at kickoff.
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Will this be the Eagles’ Flu Game, a la Michael Jordan?
Given how much this team has rallied around its perceived underdog status, perhaps feeling sick as dogs will motivate them even more.