Philadelphia Eagles make roster decisions on 2 starters: Reactions to both

On the Monday following the Philadelphia Eagles‘ second game of the season, things are hot and heavy at the NovaCare Complex. But, when has that ever been a surprise?

The Birds lost two starters during Week 2’s game, starting right guard Brandon Brooks and their starting defensive end Brandon Graham. We learned on Sunday, Graham’s injury will end his season. On Monday, more news relating to the roster came.

Buckle up. We have much to discuss.

The Philadelphia Eagles announce decisions on two of their starters.

On Monday, Philadephia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, as is customary during the regular season, spoke with the media. These conversations normally used to come at around noon. Now, it looks that they’re scheduled for about 2:30 p.m. EST. Everyone’s tired. Everyone’s weary, but that doesn’t mean the topics change.

It didn’t take long before Coach was asked about Mr. Brooks. Here’s what he had to say:

"Brandon Brooks, he strained his pec… We’re thinking he’s probably going to go to IR but it’s not a season-ending injury."

What’s important about that is this. Brooks won’t be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list. This appears to be more of a short-term resolution. Then again, we were told that last season and never saw the guy again. Landon Dickerson will start in Brooks’ place in the meantime, and he’s nasty.

He’s a better run blocker than a pass protector right now, but he’s going to be good for a long time. You just wait and see!

In other news, we’ve also been thrown another curveball apparently. Another of the Eagles’ starters, Zach Ertz, is headed to the COVID-19 list. Here’s the announcement via the Birds’ official Twitter account.

An update came shortly thereafter. This one came courtesy of NFL Network’s Tom Peliserro.

"Zach Ertz tested positive for COVID-19, per the transaction wire. Ertz is vaccinated, so there’s at least a chance he be cleared in time to play next Monday night against the Cowboys, with no symptoms and two negative tests 24 hours apart."

What might turn out to be Ertz’s final season with the Philadelphia Eagles isn’t going in the manner that he’d like. He’s clearly looked old and uninspired.

What’s worse is this. Even though he’s been pretty close to sharing an equal number of snaps at the tight end position with Dallas Goedert, between the two of them, they combined for three receptions for 30 yards in Week 2.

Heck, Dallas Goedert’s most exciting play came when he tried to battle his way to the first-down marker after Jake Elliott’s field goal attempt was blocked. Let’s hope a bounceback game is on its way for both of them.