Trent Williams absence is a huge benefit for Philadelphia Eagles defense

According to reports, Redskins tackle Trent Williams didn’t show up for practice on Wednesday and won’t be playing Sunday. This is good news for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Fans of the Washington Redskins were treated to some bad news on Wednesday. According to multiple reports, most importantly that of Ian Rapoport, their star left tackle Trent Williams didn’t show up to practice. That probably means he won’t play in the regular-season opener. This is a huge advantage for the Philadelphia Eagles, who were probably going to be favorites anyway.

This is the last thing that Jay Gruden and his coaching staff wanted to see and a big switch from what we heard on Tuesday, that Williams could return ‘sooner rather than later’.

There have been questions about how consistent Philly’s success in their pass rush will be. That coincides with the questions about whether or not this is a potential breakout season for Derek Barnett. We know Brandon Graham can make life tough for quarterbacks as well.

Williams’ absence probably means Donald Penn gets the start for the ‘Skins. Keep in mind the fact that he hasn’t been with the team that long, and to be honest, Donald Penn just isn’t Trent Williams.

With the talent the Eagles have across the line, there will be a need by the Redskins to key in on Philly’s defensive tackle rotation. That means the guys on the outside will have opportunities to make plays.

Williams could be part of the reason that Lane Johnson was given a redshirt during his freshman year at Oklahoma. Williams is a seven-time Pro Bowl nod (2012–2018), but the way things have been going and the way things look now, Redskins fans and their organization and coaches may want to resign themselves to the fact that they may never see Williams in the burgundy and gold again.

Again, that would be a big win for Philly in 2019.