Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown will miss Sunday’s Week 8 NFC East matchup against the New York Giants due to a hamstring injury sustained in Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings. The team confirmed Brown’s status after he missed all practice sessions this week, leaving quarterback Jalen Hurts without his top target. Brown’s absence forces a significant reshuffle in the Eagles’ offensive game plan as they prepare for a critical divisional clash at Lincoln Financial Field.
A.J. Brown, the Eagles’ leading receiver, was officially ruled out of the Week 8 game against the New York Giants on October 26, 2025, due to a hamstring injury. The injury occurred during Week 7 vs. the Vikings, and Brown did not participate in any practices leading up to Sunday’s game. The Eagles announced he would not travel with the team, prompting a realignment of their wide receiver depth chart.
Depth Chart Adjustments
With Brown sidelined, DeVonta Smith will assume the WR1 role. Smith is coming off a stellar performance in Week 7, where he recorded nine receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown. He’ll be joined by Jahan Dotson, who steps into Brown’s outside receiver spot. Dotson has had a quiet season so far, with just seven catches for 111 yards, but coaches are hopeful he can rise to the occasion.
Slot duties will rotate between Quez Watkins and Olamide Zaccheaus, both of whom offer speed and agility but lack Brown’s physicality and deep-threat capability. Rookie Darius Cooper, recently activated from injured reserve, is listed as questionable but could provide additional depth if cleared to play.
Beyond the wideouts, tight end Dallas Goedert and running back Saquon Barkley are expected to see increased targets. Goedert has been reliable over the middle, while Barkley offers Hurts a dependable check-down option in passing situations.
Quotes and Analyst Reactions
Head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed Brown’s status on Friday, stating:
“We’re going to be cautious with A.J. and make sure he’s fully ready before he returns. We have confidence in our depth.”
NFL analyst Dharya Sharma noted:
“Brown’s absence is a major blow to the Eagles’ vertical game. Hurts will need to rely on timing and short routes to maintain rhythm.”
Offensive Strategy and NFC East Implications
Brown’s absence alters the Eagles’ offensive dynamics. Hurts, who threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns last week, will need to adjust to a more balanced attack. Expect shorter passes, quick reads, and increased use of motion to create mismatches.
The Eagles currently lead the NFC East, but the Giants are looking to capitalize on this opportunity. Philadelphia’s ability to adapt without Brown could determine whether they maintain divisional control heading into the second half of the season.
What’s Next: Game Time and Injury Monitoring
The Eagles vs. Giants game kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field. Brown will continue to be evaluated, with updates expected early next week. If recovery progresses well, he could return in Week 9, but the team is prioritizing long-term health.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Smith, Dotson, and the rest of the receiving corps respond to the challenge.
