Ertz goes on IR, Philly future in doubt

PHILADELPHIA » The Eagles scratched veteran wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, the subject of trade rumors, and put tight end Zach Ertz on injured reserve Thursday.

It’s unclear if Ertz is tradeworthy, according to a report by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, who said the tight end cannot bemoved before the Nov. 3 trade deadline because he was given a “minor” injury designation by the Eagles. Ertz has a high ankle sprain.

Ertz ranks second on the alltime Eagles list with 549 receptions. He must sit out a minimum of three games, although the timetable for his injury might be longer.

The Eagles also activated offensive lineman Matt Pryor from the COVID-19 list and dressed him for the Thursday night home game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field.

Additionally, the Eagles signed guard Jamon Brown to the practice squad and elevated himto the game-day roster along with defensive tackle T.Y. McGill. Brown gave up three sacks to Calais Campbell in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens last weekend.

Ertz limped offthe field in the second half of the loss to the Ravens. Don’t expect him to rush back from his injury as he felt insulted by the Eagles’ lowball offer in contract talks the week of the season opener. Ertz has one more year left on his contract.

Entering Thursday, Ertz led the Eagles with 24 receptions this season but with just one touchdown and an average of 7.4 yards per catch. He expressed frustration with his role framed against the Eagles’ record.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said Wednesday that tight end Dallas Goedert is “on schedule” to play this season in his rehab from a broken bone in his ankle. Goedert’s availability obviously would make Ertz expendable.