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Eagles-Steelers Week 15 injury report, with analysis

The Philadelphia Eagles listed six players (not including resting players) on their initial injury report ahead of their Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers listed four players on their initial injury report (again, not including resting players).

Here's the Eagles-Steelers injury report, with analysis...

• Blankenship's participation in practice is a good sign for his return from a concussion suffered against the Ravens Week 13.

• Carter has been limited with a shoulder injury on Wednesdays a few other times this season, but he has always played.

• Hurts had a splint on a finger on his non-throwing hand during his postgame press conference on Sunday.

Other notable players on IR, PUP, suspension, etc.

• TE Dallas Goedert (IR): Goedert has 38 catches on 46 targets for 441 yards and 2 TDs this season. He doesn't have high volume stats, but he has been an efficient receiver when the ball has come his way, averaging 9.6 yards per target. Grant Calcaterra will start in Goedert's absence, and E.J. Jenkins was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

• EDGE Brandon Graham (IR): Graham tore his left triceps in the Eagles' win over the Rams. Before the season, Graham said that the 2024 season, his 15th in the NFL, would be his last. He played very well, and was arguably the team's best edge defender. Graham finished with 20 tackles and 3.5 sacks, with his stats not truly showing his actual impact, as has been the case throughout his career.

• EDGE Bryce Huff (IR): After signing a three-year, $51 million contract this offseason in free agency, Huff has had a disappointing first season in Philly. He has 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble through 10 games after racking up double-digit sacks in 2023 in his final season with the Jets. With Huff out, more opportunities have opened up for third-round rookie Jalyx Hunt to get on the field.

• FB Ben VanSumeren (IR): VanSumeren was a core special teams player and linebacker who became a fullback for the Eagles this season, and looked pretty good in that role. He suffered a lower body injury during practice and landed on IR.

• S James Bradberry (IR): The Eagles kept Bradberry on their active roster for no good reason at 53-man cutdowns, and then the next day he suffered a "lower body" injury that was originally supposed to keep him out 6-8 weeks.

MORE: NFC Hierarchy/Obituary: Week 15 edition

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Player Injury Wed Thurs Fri Status

WR George Pickens Hamstring DNP

DT Larry Ogunjobi Groin DNP

S DeShon Elliott Hamstring DNP

DT Montravius Adams Knee Full

Wednesday notes:

• Pickens is the Steelers' best weapon in the passing game, by far. On the season he has 55 catches for 850 yards (15.5 YPC) and 3 TDs. The next-closest player to Pickens in receiving yards is TE Pat Freiermuth, with 470. Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that Pickens was doubtful to play Sunday in Philly.

• Ogunjobi is a starting DT. 37 tackles, 1.5 sacks this season.

• Elliott is second on the team with 96 tackles. He also has 2 forced fumbles and an INT.

Other notable players on IR, PUP, suspension, etc.

• RT Troy Fautanu (IR): Fautanu was the Steelers' first-round pick (20th overall) in 2024, and their Week 1 starter at RT. He dislocated his kneecap in his first professional game and will likely miss the rest of the season. Second-year OT Broderick Jones, also a first-round pick (14th overall, 2023) has filled in. PFF has Jones down for 8 sacks allowed this season. He also has 9 penalties.

• RG James Daniels (IR): Daniels begin the season as the Steelers' starting RG. Solid veteran player. His season is over with an Achilles tear. Fourth-round rookie Mason McCormick has filled in.

• LB Cole Holcomb (PUP): Holcomb was a starter for the Steelers last season. In 8 games he had 54 tackles and 2 forced fumbles. He suffered a bad knee injury last season, and began the 2024 season on the PUP list.

• P Cameron Johnston (IR): The former Eagles was the Steelers' punter to begin the season, but a knee injury ended his season. Corliss Waitman is the Steelers' punter. He's a bottom tier guy:

• DT DeMarvin Leal (IR): Rotational DL. On IR with a neck injury.

• DT Montravius Adams (IR-DFR): Rotational DL.

• WR Roman Wilson (IR): Wilson was the Steeler's third-round pick in 2024. Speed guy. He has only appeared in one game this season, and does not yet have an NFL reception. He is on IR with a hamstring injury.