Philadelphia Eagles expect Alshon Jeffery to play: 3 Reactions

In his final press conference before the Philadelphia Eagles head to Wisconsin, Doug Pederson stated he expects to have Alshon Jeffery in the lineup for Week 4. Here are three reactions.

There were rumors. There were rumblings. We even thought that it may be a possibility when the Philadelphia Eagles waived Greg Ward Jr. on Tuesday, but in his final press conference before ‘The Birds’ board a plane for Wisconsin, head coach Doug Pederson gave the Philly media some news that we’ve all hoped to hear since we saw him on the sideline during the Atlanta game, Alshon Jeffery is expected to play on Thursday Night Football.

Let’s not waste a ton of time. Here are three thoughts on the move.

1. This helps Ertz.

With both Jeffery and DeSean Jackson out of the lineup, the Detroit Lions decided to double team Zach Ertz. In doing so, they were able to limit him. Despite moving into second place on the Eagles all-time receptions list (he only trails the great Harold Carmichael now), Ertz was held to 64 yards on four receptions. Jeffery’s presence changes that. There should be opportunities for both of them.

2. We still don’t have a defined role for JJ.

Rookie JJ Arcega-Whiteside‘s first season, to this point, hasn’t been what we expected. He’s hauled in a grand total of two catches for 14 yards. He seems lost. He seems unsure of what his role is, and on Sunday, he dropped a pass that should have been a game-winning touchdown.

Here’s the good news. He’s a grown-up. When Sunday’s game was over, he answered every question the media had for him. He’ll head back to being a reserve as Jeffery’s back up on Sunday, but that could be a good thing. Arcega-Whiteside’s gotten some quality snaps and some in-game experience. His mentor, Jeffery, is back on the field, and he can learn from him. Don’t put ’19’ out to pasture yet. The rookie is going to be fine.

3. This Eagles team is slowly getting healthy.

There’s a possibility that the Eagles will have some familiar faces for the game at Lambeau Field. Corey Clement‘s been dealing with the shoulder injury and has been listed as limited this week, but Pederson hopes he can play.

Kamu Grugier-Hill has been a full participant at practice, and he’ll play. Derek Barnett is also expected to play. So is Dallas Goedert. The second-year tight end was a game-time decision last week, but with seven more days to heal, he seems to be a sure thing to play on Sunday. That’s good news out of the Novacare Complex on Wednesday.