Eagles’ AJ Brown Hamstring Scare: Should Philly Fans Be Worried?
The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, are gearing up for another championship run in 2025. However, a recent injury scare involving star wide receiver A.J. Brown has sent ripples of concern through the fanbase. During a recent training camp practice, Brown was sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving fans wondering about the severity and potential impact on the team’s Super Bowl repeat bid.
The Injury: What We Know
According to multiple reports, A.J. Brown left Friday’s practice early and was held out of Sunday’s session due to a hamstring injury. While the Eagles have not released an official timeline for his return, they are reportedly taking a cautious approach with their star receiver. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo stated, “I do not sense a five-alarm fire at all on this one. He stood and watched practice. This [injury] is something that they’re going to want to keep a close eye on and make sure it’s not something that he aggravates.”
This cautious approach is understandable, considering Brown’s importance to the Eagles’ offense. The team knows what Brown brings, and they would rather have him healthy for the long haul than risk further complications by rushing him back too soon.
A History of Hamstring Issues
This isn’t the first time Brown has dealt with hamstring issues. He missed three games during the 2024 season due to a hamstring injury, which he attributed to overworking himself. This history understandably adds to the concern among Eagles fans. As one YouTube commentator noted, “it’s somewhat notable given AJ has an injury history with hamstrings.”
The Impact on the Eagles’ Offense
Since joining the Eagles in 2022, A.J. Brown has been a game-changer for their offense. His connection with quarterback Jalen Hurts has been a key factor in their success, and his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
In his first season with the Eagles, Brown recorded a career-high 1,496 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2023, he had a career-high 106 receptions for 1,456 yards and seven touchdowns. Even though he missed four games last season, Brown still managed to crack the 1,000-yard mark, finishing with 67 receptions for 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns.
Brown’s absence would undoubtedly impact the Eagles’ offensive production. As one analyst pointed out, the Eagles’ record with Brown is 37-10, with a winning percentage of nearly 79%. In those games, they’ve scored 154 touchdowns, averaging 27.7 points per game. Without him, their record is 24-28-1, and they’ve averaged just 23.3 points per game.
Who Steps Up in Brown’s Absence?
If Brown is forced to miss time, other players will need to step up and fill the void. DeVonta Smith, the Eagles’ other star wide receiver, is a natural candidate to see an increased target share. Smith, who himself has been dealing with a back injury, returned to practice recently, providing a boost to the Eagles’ receiving corps.
Tight end Dallas Goedert could also play a more prominent role in the passing game. Goedert and Hurts have a strong connection, and with Brown sidelined, Hurts may look to Goedert more often. As ESPN’s Tim McManus noted, “On a day where A.J. Brown (hamstring) was sidelined and DeVonta Smith (back) was limited, Jalen Hurts sharpened his connection with tight end Dallas Goedert.”
The Eagles also have other receiving options, including Saquon Barkley, who they signed in the offseason. Barkley is a versatile player who can catch passes out of the backfield and line up as a receiver.
Should Eagles Fans Be Worried?
While any injury to a key player is cause for concern, the prevailing sentiment seems to be that Eagles fans shouldn’t panic just yet. The team is taking a cautious approach with Brown, and there’s no indication that the injury is serious.
As Mike Garafolo stated, “I do not sense a five-alarm fire at all on this one.” He added that Brown could miss a few practices, but it’s “no big deal for the defending champions.”
The Eagles are likely prioritizing Brown’s long-term health over his immediate availability. They know what he brings to the table, and they would rather have him healthy for the entire season than risk further complications by rushing him back too soon.
The Preseason Perspective
With the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals approaching, it’s unclear whether Brown will play. However, given the team’s cautious approach, it’s unlikely that he’ll see any significant action.
The preseason is a time for teams to evaluate their players and prepare for the regular season. It’s not worth risking a key player’s health for a meaningless game.
The Bottom Line
A.J. Brown’s hamstring injury is a situation worth monitoring, but Eagles fans shouldn’t be overly concerned. The team is taking a cautious approach, and there’s no indication that the injury is serious. In the meantime, other players will have the opportunity to step up and showcase their abilities. The Eagles are still the reigning Super Bowl champions, and they have the talent and depth to overcome this minor setback.