The Philadelphia Eagles have a quick turnaround in Week 2. After heading on the road and defeating the New England Patriots in Week 1, they are hosting the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football in Week 2.

The Vikings will be a motivated bunch after a disappointing loss at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. The Eagles will have to bring their A-game to avoid an upset loss and will need players to step up with starters sidelined.

Philadelphia is going to be without three key players for their home opener on Thursday night. Running back Kenneth Gainwell, who has taken over as the lead back, has been announced out with a rib injury. Safety Reed Blankenship is dealing with the same thing and will be sidelined.

Cornerback James Bradberry remains in the league’s concussion protocol. The turnaround was too quick from Sunday to get him cleared to return to the field, as he will look to return to action in Week 3. 

Fletcher Cox is dealing with a rib injury as well and for now, has been listed as questionable. Also missing the game is linebacker Nakobe Dean. He suffered a foot injury and was placed on injured reserve.

Without Gainwell in the backfield, many are expecting D’Andre Swift to take on a larger role. Rashaad Penny, who was a health scratch in Week 1, should also be in the lineup. Boston Scott remains an option for the Eagles, too.

Josh Jobe, a second-year player out of Alabama, is expected to take over for Bradberry opposite Darius Slay Jr. The safety position for Blankenship is thin as well, with Terrell Edmunds, Justin Evans and rookie Sydney Brown rounding out the depth chart.

This is bad timing for the Eagles to be short on talent in the secondary. Teams need all hands on deck to slow down star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who will likely be shadowed by Slay. Tight end T.J. Hockenson should find some success playing against backup safeties at times as well.