Cox listed as out against Cards
PHILADELPHIA » Eagles All-Pro defensive tackle Fletcher Cox will miss his second straight game with a calf injury Sunday, when the Eagles host the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Cox didn’t practice Friday, per the official injury report, and is listed as out.
Running back Wendell Smallwood didn’t practice either, marking a week of missed work. Coach Doug Pederson said Smallwood hurt a knee in the win over the Chargers. He’s listed as questionable for the Cardinals game.
Nothing, including the injuries, seems to faze Pederson. This is the second straight season he’s guided the Eagles to a 3-1 start. This season is not like the previous one, he said Friday.
“Our 3-0 start last year, even though we won those games, it covered up a lot of mistakes that we made in those games, offensively and defensively and in the kicking game,” Pederson said. “I think this year the guys are playing probably a little more confident. They’re learning how to finish. The execution is better. Obviously from the quarterback’s position, he’s understanding and knowing the concepts of the game plan and situational football and putting our team in good situations there. And the ability to run the ball, we’re a little more consistent there, especially these last couple of weeks.”
Smallwood is the Eagles’ second-leading rusher, having gained 113 yards on 29 carries. His injury history includes a hamstring in training camp and a concussion and a knee last year. Pederson isn’t concerned the injuries will be long-term. And it’s not like the Eagles won’t be able to run the ball without Smallwood, who technically is a game-time decision.
Asked how the run game is affected without Smallwood, Pederson replied “It doesn’t. It does not.”
LeGarrette Blount leads the Eagles in rushing with 249 yards and one touchdown.
Pederson has confidence in rookie running back Corey Clement, who ran for two huge first downs on the Eagles’ game-ending possession last Sunday. Pederson says Clement has improved in pass protection.
As for Cox, he is “progressing well,” but it’s only “week five, and we have a lot of football left,” Pederson said.
*** NOTES » Arizona will be without its best player, running back David Johnson, who has a knee injury. ... The Eagles have gotten solid play from defensive tackle Beau Allen. Veteran defensive ends Vinny Curry and Chris Long also have played tackle for the Eagles, who ranked second in the NFL in rushing defense . ... Also out for the Eagles is cornerback Ronald Darby (ankle).