Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season is already shaping up to be a total nightmare for some teams, and the Philadelphia Eagles just got hit hard. Star running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith are officially OUT for their London clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is a massive blow for an Eagles squad already struggling, losing two of their biggest playmakers right before a huge international game.
Eagles’ London Nightmare, Jags Look Ready
You gotta feel for Eagles fans heading across the pond, because their team is limping into this one. Saquon Barkley picked up a hamstring injury in last week’s loss to the Rams, and now he is sidelined. Not only that, but their offense will also be without DeVonta Smith, who is also battling a hamstring issue. It doesn’t stop there for Philly either: Marquise Brown (ankle), C Drew Kendall (knee), and S Marcus Epps (groin) are all OUT. On top of that, OLB Jonathan Greenard (ankle) is questionable. That’s a huge chunk of their roster missing, especially on offense. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are looking relatively healthy for their annual London game, with only two players on their injury report. CB Jaylon Jones is out with a hamstring injury, and S Eric Murray is doubtful with a concussion. This feels like a major advantage for the Jags against a shorthanded Philly team.
Bears’ QB Drama, Packers’ RB Shuffle
Over in the NFC North, the Chicago Bears have a shot at getting their starting quarterback back on the field this week. Caleb Williams is questionable for their game against the Green Bay Packers after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury. Williams was limited in practice on Friday, but he did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Remember, backup Tyson Bagent had to step in last week. The Bears will also be without running back Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe) and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (quad). DL Shemar Turner (knee), LB Noah Sewell (Achilles), and DB Kyler Gordon (calf) are all questionable too. The Packers aren’t totally unscathed though. Running back Chris Brooks is out with an ankle injury, meaning Pierre Strong is set to play his first game since 2024. Wide receiver Savion Williams (ankle) is also out for Green Bay. On the defensive side, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is questionable with a toe injury after being limited in Friday’s practice, and they have some offensive line issues with G Aaron Banks (knee/toe) and OL Jacob Monk (quad) doubtful, plus OL Jager Burton (back) questionable. DT Anthony Campbell (ankle) is also questionable.
Texans’ Offensive Line Troubles
Down south, the Houston Texans are facing a mountain of injuries, especially on their offensive line, as they head into their matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Wide receiver Tank Dell is OUT with a knee injury, which is a big loss for their passing game. But the real concern is up front: offensive tackles Aireontae Ersery (illness), Blake Fisher (illness), and Braden Smith (foot) are all OUT. Guard Ed Ingram (illness) is also sidelined. Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (ankle) and safety M.J. St (truncated) are also out. That’s a brutal list, and it is going to make things incredibly tough for the Texans against the Titans. It just shows you how much injuries are dictating this early part of the season.
With so many key players on the shelf, especially for the Eagles and Texans, Week 5 is going to be a real test of depth. Can the Bears’ Caleb Williams actually make it back on the field and make a difference? How will the Eagles’ offense function without Barkley and Smith? We will see who steps up and who crumbles under the pressure in these upcoming matchups.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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