Eagles: Injuries could force young receivers to grow up quickly

Nobody is sure if the Philadelphia Eagles' starting wide receivers will be able to play and nobody is sure how well or how long they'll play even if they can.

Jeremy Maclin (hip-pointer) and DeSean Jackson (hamstring) haven't practiced much this week and they're listed as questionable for Sunday's game vs. the Baltimore Ravens, which officially means they have a 50 percent chance of playing.

Maclin said after Friday's practice that he's still sore, but he feels better Friday than he did Thursday and he plans to feel better Saturday. And as for Sunday, Maclin said he plans on playing.

“I feel like nothing can hold me back,'' he said.

Well, coach Andy Reid could if Maclin's injury slows him down enough, and it's the same with Jackson. But no matter what their status is on Sunday, Damaris Johnson said he will be ready.

Johnson is a rookie receiver who made the Eagles' roster even though he wasn't drafted. His main job is to return punts, but with another WR (Riley Cooper, collarbone) already out of action, Johnson could see a lot of time at receiver on Sunday. He could even start.

“I am preparing this week in practice as if I was the starter,'' Johnson said. “But that's not a big deal, because I prepare that way every week. You never know when your number will be called, so you have to be ready at all times. And I will be.”

There could be an even bigger trickle down effect if the two starters can't play. Not only would Avant and Johnson move into the starting lineup, WR Mardy Gilyard – who wasn't even on the roster at this time last week – would be the No. 3 receiver and the Eagles use a lot of three-receiver sets.

“We're hopeful Jeremy and DeSean will be ready,'' running back LeSean McCoy said. “But if they're not, then the young guys have to step up and make some plays.”

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSEagles.