A.J. Brown has been a standout performer for the Eagles this season, leading the team in receptions with 106 and accumulating 1,456 receiving yards. He shares the team lead in receiving touchdowns with 7. In addition to Brown’s absence, the Eagles’ other starting wide receiver, DeVonta Smith, is dealing with an ankle ailment that caused him to miss Week 18.



While Brown missed practice throughout the week, Smith’s status is more optimistic, having been listed as a full participant in the team’s first two practices. With Smith likely to play, the onus will be on him and some less-utilized receivers to carry the offensive load, as no wideout other than Brown and Smith has amassed 165 or more receiving yards this season.



Brown’s absence marks the first game he will miss this season, the result of a knee injury sustained during the Eagles’ Week 18 loss to the Giants last Sunday. The pivotal moment occurred in the first quarter when Brown fumbled the ball after a catch, subsequently lying on the turf while clutching his knee. Despite walking off the field, initial reports suggested the injury wasn’t severe.



<h2>A.J. Brown Ruled Out for Super Wild Card Weekend</h2>



Sirianni acknowledged Brown’s determination to play. “It was going to be a stretch for A.J. to play,” Sirianni remarked. “But he fought like crazy to try to do everything he could do to do so, which doesn’t surprise me at all about A.J.”



In a blow to the Philadelphia Eagles’ playoff aspirations, star wide receiver A.J. Brown has been officially ruled out for their Super Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.



This announcement came from Eagles’ final injury report to solidify Brown’s absence. Should the Eagles emerge victorious against the Buccaneers and advance, Garafolo suggested that Brown might be available.

Eagles Wide Receiver A.J. Brown Ruled Out for Monday's Playoff Matchup Against Buccaneers

Eagles Wide Receiver A.J. Brown Ruled Out for Monday's Playoff Matchup Against Buccaneers - thesportsdrops NEWS

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In the upcoming Monday night playoff encounter, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for a compelling rematch following their Week 3 meeting. The initial game saw the Eagles secure a 25-11 victory, exposing vulnerabilities in the Buccaneers’ offense and prompting both teams to reevaluate their strategies.



Running back Rachaad White has emerged as a key player in the Buccaneers’ resurgence, symbolizing the team’s growth since their early-season setback. White’s stellar performance in the latter part of the season, contributing eight scrimmage touchdowns from Weeks 9-18, underscores the Buccaneers’ evolution and adaptability.



Star wide receiver Chris Godwin, in a recent interview on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, emphasized the team’s transformation. “We’ve evolved so much,” Godwin remarked, highlighting the Buccaneers’ ability to navigate the highs and lows of the season, identifying strengths and weaknesses along the way.



<h2>Struggling Eagles Set for Monday Night Showdown</h2>



Despite a mid-season losing streak, the Buccaneers clinched the NFC South with a 9-8 record, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the final weeks. Their late-season surge sets the stage for an intriguing encounter against an Eagles team that faced contrasting challenges.



While the Buccaneers evolved positively, the Eagles encountered difficulties in the latter part of the season, losing five of their final six games and securing the No. 5 seed in the NFC. The Eagles’ defensive struggles add an additional layer of intrigue to the upcoming matchup.



As both teams prepare for the Monday night game, the Buccaneers approach the rematch with the Eagles with a newfound understanding of their identity, eager to capitalize on missed opportunities from their initial encounter.

Buccaneers and Eagles Prepare for Playoff Encounter

Buccaneers and Eagles Prepare for Playoff Encounter - thesportsdrops NEWS

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Chief Security Officer, Dom DiSandro, is set to miss Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys following an altercation with 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Sources, as reported by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Saturday, indicate that this decision is part of an ongoing conversation with the NFL.



DiSandro, despite being allowed to carry out regular duties at AT&amp;T Stadium, met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent, and Eagles representatives at the league office on Friday.



In response, the Eagles issued a statement, announcing DiSandro’s absence from the sideline while assuring his continued involvement in other team capacities. The altercation unfolded in the third quarter of last Sunday’s game after Greenlaw tackled Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith.



<h2>Eagles vs. Cowboys Clash Carries Weight in NFC East Title Race</h2>



The significance of the Sunday night clash with the Cowboys cannot be overstated, as it carries significant implications for the divisional title. With both teams vying for a top spot in the NFC East, the absence of DiSandro on the sidelines adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.



The incident led to Greenlaw’s ejection and DiSandro being asked to leave the field. Greenlaw was subsequently fined $10,927 for his hit on Smith, excluding the rest of the altercation, while the NFL continues to deliberate on additional disciplinary measures.



This turn of events has prompted the league to reiterate guidelines to all clubs, emphasizing that game-day staff must be aware of their roles and refrain from involvement in altercations or making physical contact with opposing players.

Eagles' DiSandro Benched for Cowboys Game After Altercation

Eagles' DiSandro Benched for Cowboys Game After Altercation - thesportsdrops NEWS

A top defensive player in the NFL is trying to switch teams. According to ESPN, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-bijan-robinson-20230415-SPD-3578.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona Cardinals</a> safety <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-3-nfc-teams-that-need-to-make-excellent-draft-choices-20230413-SPD-3573.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Budda Baker</a> has asked to be traded after being named to the All-Pro team twice and the Pro Bowl five times.



Reports indicate that Baker notified the organization of his desire to be moved In February or offered a new contract that would make him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. The 27-year-old’s contract with the Cardinals has two more years to go. His projected earnings for 2023 and 2024 total just over $13 million and $14.2 million, respectively.



Baker, who was selected 36th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, has been named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl. If traded before the 2023 season, Baker might end up in one of these three places, as per CBS Sports.



<h2>5. Houston Texans</h2>



With new head coach DeMeco Ryans leading the charge, the arrival of Baker would be a huge boost for the club. The Texans have the salary-cap room and draft picks to pull off a deal of this size. Baker, a former NFL linebacker who served as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator for two successful seasons, seems like a good fit for Ryans’s system.



<h2>4. Pittsburgh Steelers</h2>



Starting strong safety Terrell Edmunds just left the Steelers and joined the Eagles in free agency, a major loss for Pittsburgh. With Baker on board, the Steelers would have the league’s greatest safety tandem in Minkah Fitzpatrick and Baker. This change would also let Patrick Peterson keep his starting cornerback position rather than transition to free safety.



<h2>3. Dallas Cowboys</h2>



The addition of Baker to Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs would make the Cowboys’ defense unstoppable. Dallas has the requisite means to facilitate such a trade. Malik Hooker, Dallas’ current starting free safety and a Pro Bowl performer, may be part of a package sent to Arizona by the Cowboys.



<h2>2. Philadelphia Eagles</h2>



After a devastating free agency, the reigning NFC champs have voids to fill. Despite acquiring Edmunds, who helped shore up a weakness, the Eagles still need to replace starting safeties Marcus Epps and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, both of whom left through free agency. Baker would join an Eagles defense that also has Trey Edmunds, Darius Slay, and James Bradberry if he were to be traded to Philadelphia.



<h2>1. Green Bay Packers</h2>



Since Greg Williams, the Packers’ new defensive passing game coordinator, coached the Cardinals’ cornerbacks for the previous four seasons, Baker is a good fit for Green Bay’s need for a playmaking safety. The Packers have the financial resources to pull this off, ranking sixth in the NFL in cap space, per Spotrac.

NFL: Top 5 most likely destinations for Budda Baker in case of Cardinals exit

NFL: Top 5 most likely destinations for Budda Baker in case of Cardinals exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

There is an abundance of quality quarterbacks in the upcoming <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-the-worst-first-round-draft-picks-in-the-previous-10-years-20230408-SPD-3560.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 NFL Draft</a>. In recent times, athletes such as Bryce Young, Will Levis, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Hendon Hooker have garnered much attention.



But football is a team sport, and no squad can win without a reliable rushing attack. That’s why, even in a league that favors passing, running backs still play a crucial role.



Moreover, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-4-most-disappointing-free-agent-nfl-signings-over-the-last-5-years-20230316-SPD-3499.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bijan Robinson</a> of Texas is the most exciting running back prospect. This article will examine the most likely destinations for the Longhorns star, who has been compared to Giants running back Saquon Barkley.



<h2>3. Carolina Panthers</h2>



Either CJ Stroud or Bryce Young will be selected with the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. Even with Miles Sanders in the mix, they should consider taking Robinson if he falls to the second round and utilize him to replace Christian McCaffrey.



Frank Reich’s offense might benefit greatly from having two young stars, even though they are both rookies, provided they can stay healthy. The Panthers have always prioritized running the ball, so he’s a natural match.



<h2>2. Miami Dolphins</h2>



In 2022, the Miami Dolphins passing offense was a game-changer. Tua Tagovialoa clicked with Tyreek Hill right away, and Jaylen Waddle benefited from the extra room he provided.



The rushing attack, though, often fell short of expectations. With the addition of a future Hall of Famer like Bijan Robinson, they might easily become the NFL’s most prolific scoring unit.



<h2>1. Philadelphia Eagles</h2>



When it comes to draft selections, the Philadelphia Eagles are back in the driver’s seat. Howie Roseman could make some moves and work his magic to snag another star, and he would still be in a good position to grab a promising young player.



The Eagles still have a number of choices to attempt to replace Miles Sanders, who signed with the Panthers, and who they have to replace via a committee. None of them, though, can hold a candle to this tackle-breaking monster in terms of raw skill, disruptiveness, and physical prowess.

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Bijan Robinson

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Bijan Robinson - thesportsdrops NEWS

Cleveland’s NFL team, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-anthony-richardson-20230305-SPD-3461.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Browns</a>, has not exactly been a smashing success. Long has passed since they last had a team capable of winning the Super Bowl, and that trend shows little signs of changing anytime soon.



Poor decision-making from the above management has contributed significantly to the Browns’ problems. And if the reports are true, it might plague them again this season.



Releasing star running back <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-5-tallest-nfl-players-20230311-SPD-3487.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Chubb</a> may be an option to save costs. If so, these three clubs are expected to show serious interest in signing him.



<h2 id="block-bf1385c0-47a7-4023-ad9e-9ea338dbc1ad">3. Buffalo Bills</h2>



Although the Buffalo Bills boast a top-tier passing attack, their ground game has been unremarkable. Yet all his potential, James Cook is hardly Nick Chubb.



The Bills, led by Josh Allen, must do all in their power to break through to the next level of competition. They could really use a workhorse running back like him.



<h2 id="block-68a49450-386f-49a7-ad17-99390340c123">2. Philadelphia Eagles</h2>



The Philadelphia Eagles came close to winning the Super Bowl but ultimately came up short. General Manager Howie Roseman, therefore, will not rest on his laurels.



As a free agent, Miles Sanders won’t have much of a chance to make the Eagles’ roster, and they already have a pair of good running backs on hand. Yet, they have tried to bolster their team’s squad once again, thus they may be on the verge of improvement.



<h2 id="block-38c43b88-9e40-42d4-9c8e-5de52ab2fd15">1. Miami Dolphins</h2>



One of the league’s most exciting attacks belonged to the Miami Dolphins. Mike McDaniel’s passing offense rocked South Florida with its emphasis on the vertical pass.



Unfortunately, neither Rasheed Mostert nor Chase Edmonds lived up to expectations. While they did have some good games with their running attack, they might really take off if they added a reliable player to that position.

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Nick Chubb

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Nick Chubb - thesportsdrops NEWS

After acquiring <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/kadarius-toney-of-giants-traded-to-chiefs-in-exchange-for-draft-picks-20221027-SPD-3054.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Quinn</a> in a trade with the Chicago Bears, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-russell-wilson-gets-real-on-broncos-locker-room-mood-after-2-4-start-20221019-SPD-2993.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia Eagles</a> wasted no time getting him into the lineup. The veteran edge rusher is expected to make his debut this Sunday, Week 8, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.



Quinn would be one of the few players without a bye week if he plays on Sunday. It’s worth noting that the Bears didn’t have their bye week before trading for Quinn, while the Eagles are fresh off theirs.



With seven games under his belt for the Bears and another 11 on the schedule for the Eagles, Quinn is on pace to play 18 times in a 17-game season. A pair of NFL players, Tony Costos and Cookie Tackwell of the Frankford Yellow Jackets and Minneapolis Red Jackets, respectively, participated in all 18 games that season in 1930.



<h2>Eagles’ Robert Quinn to play 18 games in 17-game schedule</h2>



Before 1933, when the NFL established a set schedule, clubs’ records in non-league contests were included in their overall standings. Since Philadelphia’s Frankford is prohibited by the state’s “Blue Laws” from playing home games on Sundays, the team has to play its non-league or independent games on Saturdays and then travel for Sunday’s game.



If Quinn plays all 18, he would make history as the only player to do so since the league’s 1933 expansion to include divisions and a playoff for the title. Emmanuel Sanders was the final player to appear in all 16 games of the regular season in 2019.

Robert Quinn of Eagles set to accomplish feat not witnessed since 1930 - thesportsdrops NEWS

Robert Quinn of Eagles set to accomplish feat not witnessed since 1930

Following a promising season, the Eagles seem prepared to make even more progress this year. Philadelphia has improved on many areas this <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/colts-head-coach-frank-reich-sees-similarities-between-matt-ryan-peyton-manning-1513-20220614-SPD-1513.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offseason</a>, so the expectations are high ahead of the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-joe-mixon-believes-the-bengals-have-what-it-takes-to-return-to-the-super-bowl-1848-20220628-SPD-1848.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> season.



If the Eagles made the playoffs last year, the feeling is they could go even further after landing star wide receiver A.J. Brown, among other players. As a matter of fact, Miles Sanders already feels they’re like an ‘All-Star team.’



However, the former Tennessee Titans wideout disagrees. Though he is also excited for what’s next for the Eagles, Brown made clear the team is still a work in progress.



<h2>A.J. Brown not ready to call Eagles an ‘All-Star’ team yet </h2>



“He’s excited about what this team could be,” Brown tweeted. “We all are. But we’re not An All-Star team. We definitely could be with years to come. We have [to] strap up our pads and prove it every year and that’s what we plan to do! #1Weekatatime.”



Brown knows that building a winning team doesn’t happen overnight. The mood in the locker room might be through the roof right now, but it may not be a bad thing that an experienced star reminds them how much work they still have to do.

AJ Brown's eye-opening reaction to Miles Sanders' take on 2022 Eagles - thesportsdrops NEWS

AJ Brown's eye-opening reaction to Miles Sanders' take on 2022 Eagles

Carson Wentz is off to a fresh start in his career – again. After just one season in Indianapolis, the Colts traded him to the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/how-many-nfl-teams-have-not-won-a-super-bowl-ring-in-their-history-97-20220502-SPD-97.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington Commanders</a>, with whom he’ll face the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eagles</a> for the first time.



Back in the day, Wentz was expected to be a franchise quarterback for the Eagles. But nothing has been the same for him after a season-ending injury in 2016, when he was on pace to win MVP.



Philadelphia ended up winning a long-awaited <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-ring-value-how-much-does-a-super-bowl-ring-cost-188-20220502-SPD-188.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> that year, and even though Wentz was not under center in the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-playoffs-format-how-do-the-postseason-work-75-20220501-SPD-75.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">final stretch</a> of the campaign, fans give him a lot of credit and have the best memories of his time in Philly. So, when the Commanders visit Lincoln Financial Field in Week 10, it will certainly be an emotional game for Wentz and the Eagles.



<h2>Carson Wentz ‘excited’ but calm ahead of first game in Philadelphia since leaving Eagles</h2>



“I know that’ll be a big game. A lot of emotions,” Wentz said, via CBS Sports. “I’m sure fans will eat that one up and it’ll be fun — make for a good storyline. But at the end of the day, it’s going to be just another ballgame. It’s going to be a huge divisional game for us when that one comes. So I’m excited for it, but at the same time, I’m trying not to get too excited for that one, because, again, it’s just football. Can’t press. Can’t do too much.”



Needless to say, many great memories will come to his mind when he sets foot in Philly. However, Wentz can’t get distracted as this year could be crucial in his career.

Philadelphia Eagles