Eagles Now Dealing With A Key Injury On Defense

The Philadelphia Eagles, while boasting a 10-1 record on the season, have dealt with their fair share of injuries throughout the year.

And, after this week’s win against the Green Bay Packers, they will be without yet another member of their defense.

Gardner-Johnson leads the NFL with six interceptions. A blow to the Philadelphia defense, though he is expected to return this season. https://t.co/5MgCxYBjLt

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 29, 2022

C.J. Gardner-Johnson will likely miss several games, although the hope is that he will come back later in the season.

This is certainly encouraging for the Eagles, who will likely be making a playoff push at that time, and Gardner-Johnson will give them the added boost they will need.

Gardner-Johnson’s Defensive Role

Gardner-Johnson’s presence will certainly be missed on the Eagles’ defense.

Through 11 games, he racked up 60 total tackles, 6 interceptions, and a sack.

The Eagles are currently allowing 19.6 points per game to opposing teams on the year, which is the ninth-best mark in the league.

Who is the next man up for them while Gardner-Johnson is sidelined?

There are currently two free safeties on the Eagles’ depth chart behind Gardner-Johnson, which are Reed Blankenship, and K’Von Wallace.

Blankenship is a rookie out of MTSU and has only appeared in five games this season.

In those five games, he has been credited for nine total tackles, and one interception, which came against Aaron Rodgers once Gardner- Johnson was ruled out of the game.

Wallace has more NFL experience than Blankenship, appearing in 40 total NFL games in his career.

In those games, he’s amassed 39 total tackles, but zero sacks and zero interceptions.

Translation: the Eagles need Gardner-Johnson back on their roster.