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Eagles' Barkley has concern after losing key blocker for season
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley has concern after losing key blocker for season

Typically, a wide receiver injury impacts the quarterback, but a season-ending injury to a Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver will impact running back Saquon Barkley.

Per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson needs knee surgery after suffering an injury at Tuesday's practice.

"Eagles WR Johnny Wilson will undergo season-ending surgery on his knee and ankle after suffering the injury at practice on Tuesday, NFL sources said," McLane posted on X.

Per McLane, Wilson was set to become Philadelphia's No. 4 receiver, with his main role on offense being a blocker for the running game. The 2024 sixth-round pick did that duty for much of his rookie season.

Wilson helped power a rushing attack in which Barkley had a career season, rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns en route to a win in Super Bowl LIX.

Wilson played a smaller role in the passing game, catching five passes for 38 yards and one touchdown. He recorded three receptions for 73 yards in the preseason.

The Eagles still have plenty of depth at wide receiver, boosted by a recent trade with the Houston Texans for John Metchie III. McLane noted that Ainias Smith and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper are in the mix to make the 53-man roster. 

The Eagles had the league's second-best rushing attack last season with 3,048 yards, trailing only the Baltimore Ravens. While Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts gained the stats and headlines, they were helped by Philadelphia's strong offensive line and receivers willing to be unselfish by blocking.

Jordan Sigler

Jordan Sigler is a sports writer with a decade of experience as a journalist, including his time as a breaking news/day cops reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. His sports coverage across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and college football world has also been featured at ChiCitySports, Gridiron Heroics, Pro Football Network, and Athlon Sports. Based in Austin, Texas, Jordan graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Tech University in 2014

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