Every week, Isaiah Rodgers writes down his goals for the week. Putting them into words, he said, allowed him to “try to bring them to life by speaking them.”

This week he wrote about one thing: winning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

They say aim high.

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Rodgers is scheduled to make his first start with the Colts since Boxing Day in 2022. Eagles cornerback Massacre of Darius He will miss Sunday’s game against Jacksonville with a groin injury, and Rodgers has earned a first look as the next man up at outside corner.

26-year-old Rodgers battles rookie quinyon mitchell During training camp for the job opposite Slayhowever, he finished in second place and played the last four matches sparingly, although these matches featured few key moments.

Rodgers, who the Eagles signed in 2023 while suspended for a season for violating the league’s gambling policy, was on both sides of poor special teams throughout the season. Week 4 loss in Tampa.

Had a mental error and tackled the opposing player to the punt returner Cooper DeJean While the Eagles make a bet. He later blocked a touchdown pass attempt. In last week’s win at Cincinnati, Rodgers made a strong recovery play off the bench against Ja’Marr Chase after Slay left the game and intercepted Joe Burrow’s pass to CJ Gardner-Johnson for his first Eagles game of the week. He gave it to his hand. 3.

It was a 108-all tackle for Rodgers (58 on defense, 50 on special teams), as he and his Eagles teammates faced a weakened Jacksonville offense. Jaguars lose wide receiver Christian Kirk to a broken collarboneand the top pick on Brian Thomas Jr., who is on pace to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in his rookie season, is a game-time decision. So did wide receiver Gabe Davis and running back Travis Etienne.

Rodgers said he treated his preparations for this week’s game just like any other.

“I didn’t overdo it, I didn’t exaggerate it either,” he said. “I’m preparing like it’s any other match. I’ve been feeling good since I’ve been back here. I’m just trying not to make the moment too big for me.

But no matter how big the goal is.

Becton is back

Mekhi Becton is a Full participant in Thursday training and again on Friday after clearing concussion protocol. Becton went down in the first half of the Eagles’ 28-3 road win over the Giants. He said he knew right away he had a concussion, and it took three to four days for him to finally feel like himself again. Becton missed last week’s win at Cincinnati but is set to return to right guard on Sunday. He will replace Tyler Steen, who has fulfilled his role very well in Becton’s absence.

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eagle ram Nick Sirianni He said Friday that he’s seen some improvement in Steen, who “had a really good outing” against the Bengals.

“It’s no surprise to me because he’s always prepared,” Becton said of Steen. “I see him practicing his craft every day.”

Becton said that despite competing for the same position, he and Steen worked together to improve each other’s game.

“This is my guy,” Becton said. “Those are great people.”

Becton and the rest of the Eagles front still missing left tackle Jordan MailataHe will face a tough assignment against a tough Jaguars front featuring Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.

Becton said the line needs to improve its craft and “make sure we get to our place before they get to their place.”

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injury report

Eagles will be without Slay and tight end Dallas GoedertHe will miss his third consecutive game due to a knee injury. They are the only two Eagles on the active roster with any signs of injury heading into Sunday.

DeVonta Smith I missed practice on Friday for personal reasons. The rest of the team was in full participation, including left defender Landon Dickerson, who missed practice and was limited on Wednesday. He suffered a knee injury on Thursday.

The Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9. Join Eagles beating reporters Olivia Reiner and EJ Smith as they break down the hottest stories surrounding the team. Game Day CenterWe’re live from Lincoln Financial Field.