For all the criticism around the style points of the Philadelphia Eagles, the defense has been nearly impenetrable. Thanks to a concentrated effort to bolster the secondary, they chose Quinyon Mitchell with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The move has worked wonders for them, with the corner becoming a Day 1 starter and earning an All-Rookie selection.
ln the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, the Eagles suffered a blow as Mitchell went down and didn’t return for the game. With an all-important NFC Championship Game against an explosive Washington Commanders offense coming up, his availability is going to play a big factor in proceedings.
What Is Quinyon Mitchell’s Injury?
All season long, Mitchell had been among the most consistent players on the team, suiting up for all 16 games and playing over 90% of the Eagles’ defensive snaps. But, against the Rams, he was on the field for just nine snaps, with a shoulder injury on the Rams’ first drive putting him out of the game.
He was eventually ruled out for the entire contest at halftime. However, the Eagles were able to pull out a win in the game’s waning moments, pushing the Rams to a turnover on downs in the red zone.
The test will be even more formidable. The Rams ranked 11th in the league on offense according to PFN’s Offense+ metric — Washington comes in No. 6.
Will Mitchell Play Against the Commanders?
After the game, Mitchell was confident of his chances to play in the NFC title game. Speaking to reporters in the locker room, he told Olivia Reiner that he was feeling good enough for his availability to not be in jeopardy. Nonetheless, an official confirmation was not available till then.
On Monday (Jan. 20), the situation was as dicey as ever. Nick Sirianni speaking to reporters at a press conference didn’t have much update to give on the situation for Mitchell or quarterback Jalen Hurts, who injured his knee following seven sacks by the Rams.
“We’ll have more information for you,” Sirianni said. “Obviously still going through the process of the day here. I know those guys will do everything they can to do be at the top part of their game on Sunday. I’m confident in our training staff and I’m confident in those guys. We’ll see how that goes as this week goes on.”
Source: I have been told that both Quinyon and Jalen Hurts will play on Sunday.
I know Nick Sirianni basically said this on the radio today (regarding Jalen) and Quinyon told @ReinerOlivia this much post game.
Just pushing it forward as of Tuesday evening, a few days removed.
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) January 21, 2025
Jason Dumas broke the news about both the corner and the QB, stating that both season-long starters would be available on Sunday when the Eagles square off against the Commanders.
Mitchell’s Impact on the Eagles
As the 17th overall pick, Philadelphia was going to place a lot of responsibility on Mitchell right from the get-go. Beginning in Week 1, he became the starting corner alongside Darius Slay. Playing in all 16 games, he recorded 46 tackles and 12 pass breakups, earning an All-Rookie Team selection in the process.
Against the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round, he finally got the first interception of his career.
Mitchell, alongside fellow rookie Cooper DeJean, was instrumental in the Eagles’ defensive resurgence. In the year, Philadelphia finished with the second-best defense in the league, according to PFN’s Defense+ metric. Moreover, their versatility was on full display, as apart from sack rate, they ranked in the top 10 of practically every metric.
Even though the Eagles survived against Los Angeles, shutting down the electric offense of Washington, powered by Jayden Daniels and excellent play from Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown (coming off a career game in the Divisional Round himself), will require an equally brilliant effort from the Eagles.
As a result, Mitchell being on the field as close to 100% as possible has to be a top priority for the NFC East winners.
