Eagles Get Major Update on A.J. Brown Injury Before Giants Game
After another day sitting out at practice, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was ruled out on Friday for their week 8 showdown with the New York Giants.
The Eagles listed Brown as out for Sunday because of his hamstring injury, according to the team’s official X account.
Earlier Friday, before practice, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni addressed Brown’s injury in cryptic terms, saying the Eagles would need to further evaluate the wideout’s status for their game Sunday against the New York Giants.
Brown has been nursing a hamstring injury, which he sustained in the Eagles’ 28-22 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Brown did not practice all week, including Friday.
Brown has 395 receiving yards on 29 catches this season with three touchdowns for the Eagles (5-2), and he is coming off a four-catch, 121-yard performance against the Vikings.
Philadelphia could use Brown, who put up seven catches for 80 yards against the Giants in its 34-17 loss at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 9.
Before A.J. Brown Was Ruled Out, Nick Sirianni Said He Is a Rare Player Who Could Play Even Without Practicing All Week
Sirianni was asked point blank about Brown’s status before practice Friday, then he said he’d have to wait and see what happened on the practice field.
“We always want the most time to be able to evaluate before we give [the media] any information,” Sirianni said.
Sirianni said Brown was one of the exceptions that could play if he did not get any practice reps.
“Everybody has different scenarios with that,” Sirianni said. “I think a lot of our guys, just because of how locked in we are to the details, and our guys are locked into the details, the game-plan studying, the way they go about the walkthrough, the way they go about meetings, I definitely think he’s a guy that could [play].”
Brown’s position-mate DeVonta Smith said he wasn’t if Brown would be able to step on the field with no practice reps, citing the game plan as the only potential obstacle. Smith, obviously, hopes Brown is able to suit up for the Eagles’ home game against the Giants.
“He’s a great player,” Smith said. “We hope for him to be out there, but we have to adjust if that’s the case that he’s not out there. Everyone’s going to have to study a little harder. Guys are going to be moving around in different spots and things.”
The Eagles Are Still In Contact With A.J. Brown About His Social Media Posts
The timing of Brown’s injury is tough since he is finally starting to find his rhythm on the field this year. He is averaging 100.5 yards and a touchdown per game over the past two weeks.
Yet, his injury is also intriguing since it coincides with some Brown-related drama about his usage.
Despite his season-best performance in terms of yards against Minnesota, Brown did so on just four catches on his second-fewest number of targets this year (6), which prompted a cryptic social-media post.
Yet, when asked about Sirianni’s thoughts on Brown’s posts, the head coach punted again.
“We’re in constant communication with all our guys. A.J.’s no different,” Sirianni said. “Business as usual [with Brown].”
D.J. Reed jump-starts hype for young Lions defender coming into vital year
The Detroit Lions have already quietly enjoyed a big offseason defensively, and there have been some very impressive performances from that side of the ball as training camp has gone on.
While Detroit's offense always piles up headlines, the defense flies firmly under the radar. Perhaps that shouldn't be the case any longer, because there is some major talent stepping up to be noticed.
One of the players who has come into the mix is cornerback D.J. Reed. Signed this offseason, Reed is expected to be a top option for the Lions in the backfield. Interestingly enough, though, a younger player might be the one fans should pay closer attention to.
Reed has been impressed by his new defense, specifically some of his teammates. But who has been most dominant so far in his mind? The veteran was recently asked and provided an intriguing answer. He thinks it's second-year cornerback Terrion Arnold.
"If you're talking about training camp? Terrion Arnold. (It's) Arnold if I had to choose one person. But there's been a lot of guys I thought played really well. I think Amik (Robertson) has played well. Same as Kerby (Joseph) when he's been out there. Same as Brian Branch. (Aidan) Hutchinson is a whole different story. He's been balling. (Alex) Anzalone. Really the whole defense. DJ Reader. (Jack) Campbell our linebacker, he's been balling. I think a lot of guys have been balling."
To hear so many players on Detroit's defense are looking strong is fantastic news. The Lions need as many players as possible to step up and be solid in 2025. Arnold's emergence, however, should be seen as particularly important. If he finds his game, that could be the key to unlocking a stronger defense as a whole.
Arnold represents a true x-factor for Lions' defense this season
If there's one player the Lions could use to step up this season more than many others, it's Arnold. The first-round pick was taken in 2024 with designs of being a top cornerback for Detroit, and a lock down option in the secondary.
Unfortunately, Arnold's first season in the league didn't go completely as planned. While he played in 16 games with 15 starts and racked up 60 tackles, Arnold didn't end up with an interception. He also struggled with penalties and inconsistency as he learned the NFL.
Since the end of last season, Arnold has been working hard to grow and has been speaking confidently about his own evolution as a player. There's no question he has the right mindset, but the only issue is whether he will be ready to play a significant role for the Detroit secondary this season.
Should Arnold match some of the early hype, that would be a big deal for the Lions. It could allow the team to be deeper at cornerback given Reed's arrival in addition to strong play from veterans Avonte Maddox and Rock Ya-Sin. Having another star in the secondary would be huge for a team that already employs Joseph and Branch at safety.
According to Reed, Arnold could be primed to be that guy when the season begins in September.
