Eagles List 20 Inactives as Hurts and Four Running Backs Stay Out
Washington also carries heavy absences, including star offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
By Isaac Medina ·
The Philadelphia Eagles listed 20 players on their initial inactives list for the Week 8 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The roster depth issue extends beyond a single position, leaving the team without its starting quarterback and four of its primary running backs. Quarterback Jalen Hurts remains on injured reserve with blood clots in his lungs, a diagnosis that ended his season and installed Tanner McKee as the starter. The Eagles also elevated running back Elijah Mitchell and linebacker Mason Reiger to the active roster for Sunday's game.
The absence of Jalen Hurts marks the latest development in a season that began with the team expecting full participation from their offensive core. Hurts has been sidelined since the start of the 2026 campaign, forcing the backup to manage the offense against a Washington defense that is also dealing with its own personnel losses. The Eagles' receiving corps is similarly depleted, with wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks both appearing on the inactives list. Smith is considered the team's top target, and his absence limits the passing game significantly.
Washington enters the contest with its own list of long-term absences that reshape both the offensive and defensive lines. Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, regarded as the best player on the Commanders' roster, is out for a substantial portion of the season after tearing his triceps during training camp. The team turned to Brandon Coleman, a former early third-round pick, to fill the void. Coleman has allowed four sacks according to Pro Football Focus data, representing a noticeable step down from Tunsil's production. The injury also shifted the starting lineup at left guard, where Chris Paul now plays in place of Coleman.
The Commanders' backfield lacks its leading option due to a groin injury suffered by Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The rookie carried the ball 67 times for 239 yards and two touchdowns before landing on injured reserve. Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols will share the workload in his absence. On defense, linebacker Leo Chenal is out for the season following a neck fracture sustained in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks. Chenal was signed from the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency but struggled to fit into the scheme before the injury forced him onto the long-term list.
Several other key players will not take the field this week. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who has seen a decline in performance over the last two seasons, is out for the year with a torn patellar tendon. The Eagles will also be without wide receiver/returner Britain Covey, who missed the Week 7 game against the Dallas Cowboys, and cornerback Jonathan Jones, who is facing a former team. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell is out as well, with Jeremiah Trotter set to start in his place.
The Eagles' running back depth chart is nearly empty, with Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, and Dameon Pierce all on injured reserve. Bigsby is eligible to return after Week 8 but may miss up to two months due to core muscle surgery. Shipley, who has 57 yards on 20 carries this season, is out with a Lisfranc injury. Pierce is not expected back until after Week 12. The Commanders will also miss interior defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton, a second-round pick who suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the offseason. He is expected to miss a large chunk of the season.
The Eagles will take the field against Washington with a thinner roster but a healthier group of available players compared to previous weeks. The Commanders will rely on their remaining starters to cover for the numerous absences. The game serves as a test for both teams as they manage their injuries and depth charts through the middle of the season.
