Amid a COVID outbreak, the Philadelphia Eagles could be facing an impossible Week 18 matchup — unless their players are cleared, which is entirely possible.
A 20-16 victory over Washington allows the Philadelphia Eagles to continue in their playoff quest, but a stark Monday update altered their Week 18 outlook.
According to Tom Pelissero and Mike Garofolo, a dozen Eagles players, including Fletcher Cox, Dallas Goedert and Jason Kelce, have tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Running backs Jordan Howard and Boston Scott also join the list, as well as at least seven other players.
Roughly a dozen #Eagles players – including Fletcher Cox, Dallas Goedert and Jason Kelce – tested positive for COVID-19 today, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 3, 2022
Based on updated COVID protocols, they all have a chance to be cleared in time for Saturday’s game vs. the #Cowboys.
The news devastates the depth at several different positions, including running back, tight end, linebacker, safety and cornerback.
However, not all hope is lost: per the NFL’s new COVID protocols, all of these players could hypothetically test negative and return before Saturday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Philadelphia Eagles experience COVID outbreak as a dozen players test positive
While several of these players could return, it’s still bad news for the Eagles, and for some players more than others. This is the second time that Dallas Goedert has tested positive for the virus.
Dallas Goedert has now caught COVID twice this season, tough break.
— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) January 3, 2022
Nick Sirianni might have no choice but to sit (some of) the #Eagles starters depending on how long these guys are on the COVID list. https://t.co/M7NedD3dMJ
Many Eagles fans are relieved that the COVID results came after the win rather than before, as COVID has been the opponent knocking out several teams from playoff contention.
Every team is just trying to get to the finish line this season
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 3, 2022
Washington, Saints, Vikings were contending with Eagles for a playoff spot. Their COVID issues came at a bad time. Eagles outbreak came after they clinched a playoff spot https://t.co/98tk6Ky2iz
Despite the uptick in cases involving key players, the Eagles have been battling COVID over the past week. On Dec. 27, the team sidelined eight players with COVID-19, and one of them has been activated as of Jan. 3.
Eagles currently have eight players on the reserve/COVID list. pic.twitter.com/TnzhoUJWoU
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 28, 2021
The team has also activated CB Andre Chachere from the Reserve/COVID-19 list and release K Matt McCrane from the practice squad.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 3, 2022
Before their Dec. 26 game, Chiefs wideout Tyreek Hill was one of many players involved in a COVID outbreak on the Kansas City squad. However, Hill cleared protocols just four days after he tested positive, playing in that game and helping the Chiefs to win the AFC West.
While all of these players are expected to be cleared come playoffs, the spread of COVID — and its lingering effects on the body — could be a serious concern in the weeks to come. But for now, Eagles fans can remain optimistic that some of these players will return sooner rather than later.