clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery both ruled out for Week 5

Can DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery return to give Carson Wentz and the Eagles a boost in Week 5 against the Steelers?

Alshon Jeffery of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with DeSean Jackson after a touchdown in the third quarter against Washington at Lincoln Financial Field on September 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Friday PM update: The Eagles have ruled out both DeSean Jackson and Ben Roethlisberger for Week 5.

Friday AM update: Jeffery will not play on Sunday due to an illness that is not Covid-19, while the team will wait and see on Jackson, per Dave Zangaro.

Thursday update: Jackson was a limited participant while Jeffery was a DNP on the Eagles injury report a day after getting in limited work. This does not bode well for Jeffery this weekend.

The Philadelphia Eagles are spread thin at wide receiver and are hoping to get some reinforcements ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. DeSean Jackson (hamstring) and Alshon Jeffery (foot) were limited participants in practice and their status for Sunday is in question.

Jackson injured his hamstring in Week 3 and didn’t practice at all leading up to Week 4 before ultimately being ruled out. The fact that he’s at least getting some work in is encouraging. Jeffery has yet to play in 2020 and is recovering from the foot surgery he underwent late in 2019. He was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Friday of last week before being ruled out.

Jackson has been underwhelming this season with 10 receptions for 101 yards and zero touchdowns. He hasn’t been able to use his speed to catch long balls like usual, and the Eagles’ offense has struggle because of that. Jeffery has been Philadelphia’s most consistent wideout in recent years, and he could provide help its struggling pass attack significantly if he suits up. Greg Ward totaled seven targets in Week 4 and will likely act as the WR1 if Jackson and Jeffery are held out.