Eagles keep several key players sidelined to kick off Super Bowl preparation vs Chiefs

After a few days away from the facility, the Philadelphia Eagles returned to NovaCare Complex on Thursday for their first official practice as they get ready to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

And just like any other week, the Eagles continued to play it safe with some of their key players.

Seven starters were listed as non-participants including running back Saquon Barkley (rest), wide receiver A.J. Brown (rest), left guard Landon Dickerson (knee), tight end Dallas Goedert (rest/ankle), linebacker Nolan Smith (illness), center Cam Jurgens (back), and wide receiver WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring). 

Wide receiver Britain Covey (neck) and defensive end Brandon Graham (elbow) were limited. 

Eagles vs. Chiefs Super Bowl Injury Report Observations

• Starting center Cam Jurgens was forced to play through his back injury during the NFC championship after Landon Dickerson left early due to a knee injury. Both are projected to be ready to go by Super Bowl Sunday. 
• Tight end Dallas Goedert missed practice last week due to his ankle injury but still played in the NFC championship.
• Quarterback Jalen Hurts and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell are both off of the injury report after being on it last week.
• Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) is also off of this week's injury report. 
• Wide receiver A.J. Brown injured his knee ahead of Week 16's matchup but has played through the injury.
• Wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been on and off the injury report with a hamstring injury.
• Backup defensive end Mojo Ojomo (shoulder) and backup right guard Brett Toth (knee) were injured in the NFC championship. Toth was a full participant on Thursday. 
• Backup running back Kenny Gainwell also suffered a concussion/knee injury during the NFC championship game.
• Philly added some emergency depth behind Gainwell, signing running back Lew Nichols to the practice squad. 
• The Eagles opened wide receiver Britain Covey's (neck) 21-day practice window last week. Rookie cornerback/returner Cooper DeJean will continue to take his place on the punt return. 
• The Eagles also opened defensive end Brandon Graham (elbow) and tight end C.J. Uzomah's 21-day practice windows on Thursday.