Struggling Eagles secondary is about to get even worse

Just as it seemed like the Eagles' secondary couldn't get any worse, cornerback Darius Slay's injury suggests the darkest days for the unit lie ahead.

On Saturday, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni announced Slay had knee surgery this week and won't play in Week 15 against the Seahawks.

Per ESPN's Tim McManus and Adam Schefter, there is no timetable for his return, but Philly expects him to be able to make it back before the end of the regular season.

Pro Football Focus credits Slay with allowing two touchdowns, two interceptions, seven pass breakups and a mediocre passer rating (82.3) when targeted in coverage. He's also the team's highest-graded coverage corner.

Outside of Slay, the Eagles secondary has been dreadful this season. It ranks 28th in passing yards allowed (259.9 yards per game), 31st in touchdowns (29) and 29th in interceptions (six).

The unit's ineptitude has contributed mightily to the team's league-worst third-down defense (48.1 percent conversion rate). Per rbsdm.com, Philly's defense ranks last in expected points added per dropback on third downs this season.

The Seahawks have excellent depth at wide receiver with Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf and rookie first-rounder Jaxon Smith-Njigba, creating a potentially massive mismatch on "Monday Night Football."

Seattle quarterback Geno Smith (groin) was limited in practice this week and his status is up in the air. While the Seahawks would likely feel better about its chances against the Eagles with Smith, backup Drew Lock should be able to challenge Philly's secondary. Last week against the San Francisco 49ers, Lock completed 71 percent of his passes for an average of 8.7 yards per attempt. 

Without Slay in the lineup, Philadelphia's secondary is about to go from bad to worse.