As the Eagles began their stretching routine during Saturday’s practice, a key player was missing: wide receiver A.J. Brown. His absence came after experiencing hamstring tightness during Friday’s practice, where he was limited.
In an effort to prevent further injury, the team decided to take a cautious approach. This precautionary measure is reminiscent of the time Brown missed the wild-card round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after suffering a knee injury in the regular-season finale against the Giants.
During that playoff game, the Buccaneers capitalized on Brown’s absence by focusing their defensive efforts on wide receiver DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert. The Eagles struggled offensively as Tampa Bay relentlessly pressured quarterback Jalen Hurts, leading to a 32-9 defeat that ended their season. Brown’s impact on the offense is undeniable, as he adds a significant dynamic to their passing game.
His performance in the previous week’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers showcased his importance, with Brown tallying five catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. His presence on the field stretches defenses and opens up opportunities for his teammates, making him a crucial element of the Eagles’ offensive success.