Eagles WR Britain Covey broke a bone in his left shoulder in Sunday's win at New Orleans and is expected to miss at least six weeks, according to Philly radio voice Merrill Reese. Covey played just seven snaps before leaving the Week 3 game but nabbed 6 receptions the week before and has been the primary punt returner.
What They're Saying
Brandon Lee Gowton of Eagles blog Bleeding Green Nation: "Covey’s absence is an unfortunate development for a player who was earning more playing time in the offense. He was also arguably the best punt returner in the NFL last season. The good news is that it seems like Covey's injury won't be a season-ending issue."
2024 Fantasy Football Impact
The fantasy impact isn't huge here, of course. Even after his 6 receptions in the loss to Atlanta, the third-year receiver has just 11 career catches. The injury comes at a particularly poor time for the Eagles, though.
Philly already played without WR A.J. Brown the past two weeks. And his lack of practice since suffering the hamstring injury ahead of Week 2 says Brown's no lock to return for next Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.
The Eagles also lost WR DeVonta Smith to a concussion in the second half of the New Orleans game. That doesn't necessarily knock him out for Week 4, but we have to consider Smith more likely to sit than play at this point.
TE Dallas Goedert dominated Philly receiving against the Saints. Jahan Dotson led the WR corps in playing time -- with Smith leaving early -- but finished with just 3 targets and 2 receptions. Parris Campbell and rookie Johnny Wilson each added his first reception as an Eagle in the game.
That would be your top three at WR against the Bucs if Brown and Smith can't go.
Covey's absence figures to be felt most in return-yardage leagues. He led the NFL in punt-return yards in 2023.
Other Winners & Losers
QB Jalen Hurts will be tough to bench in just about any situation because of his rushing. But missing three of his top four WRs in Week 4 would certainly lower his projection.
Covey's absence doesn't really matter, but we'll watch Brown and Smith through the practice week.