One of the league’s top deep threats likely won’t be available to play on Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson told Wes Hodkiewicz of the team’s official site that receiver DeSean Jackson isn’t expected to play in Week 4 at Lambeau Field.
The Eagles could get back receiver Alshon Jeffery and tight end Dallas Goedert, two top targets for quarterback Carson Wentz. But Jackson is a speedster and one of the NFL’s most dangerous vertical threats, a fact he proved by catching eight passes for 154 yards and two scores – including a 53-yarder – in the Eagles’ Week 1 win.
Jackson is dealing with an abdomen injury. He missed games against the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions, both losses.
The Packers defense is allowing 6.3 yards per attempt and a passer rating of 63.1 through three games in 2019. The Packers have allowed 10 passes over 20 yards, including three over 40 yards. Not having to face Jackson will ease the pressure on the Packers to prevent big plays in the passing game on Thursday night.
Expect Jaire Alexander to get most of his coverage against Nelson Agholor. Kevin King will likely handle Jeffery. Both battles will be key to deciding the winner in Week 4.
