Quez Watkins News

Watkins did take a step forward in terms of finding the end zone, as he scored just once in each of his first two seasons, but the rest of his statline represents a step back from the previous campaign, when he finished with 647 yards on 43 catches. Both those totals were good for third behind DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, but the addition of A.J. Brown prior to this season cut into Watkins' share of the offense.

In a difficult game for the Eagles' offense, top wideouts DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown still got their share of action, combining for 13 of the team's 18 catches and 212 of the team's 274 receiving yards. That left little for the rest of the team's receiving options like Watkins, who's now gone without a catch five times this season.

Operating as the Eagles' No. 3 receiver, Watkins was unable to contribute much on offense. Both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, however, were focal points of Philadelphia's aerial attack. Though his 72 percent offensive snap share was his largest of the past four games, Watkins involvement in the Eagles' offense remains difficult to trust each week. Watkins will look to be more involved when the Eagles host the Saints in Week 17.

Watkins set a season high in touches but gained just 10 total yards on the day. With A.J. Brown and DeVonta smith combining for 307 receiving yards, there wasn't much to go around for anybody else. If the Eagles clinch the top seed in the NFC East and rest their starters for the final week or two of the season, however, Watkins could become a much larger part of the game plan.

Watkins initially picked up the shoulder injury during the Eagles' Week 13 win over the Titans, but it didn't stop him from playing in this past Sunday's victory over the Giants. He was on the field for 45 percent of the Eagles' offensive snaps in the 48-22 triumph, finishing with four receptions for 19 yards on five targets. Though Watkins will be available this weekend in Chicago, he could lose out on a target or two if star tight end Dallas Goedert (shoulder) is cleared to return from injured reserve before Sunday, as is anticipated.

Watkins injured the shoulder against Tennessee two weeks ago and played through it last Sunday's win over the Giants, drawing five targets on 30 snaps and catching four for 19 yards in less than ideal weather. He was a limited practice participant Wednesday and Thursday of last week before the Eagles removed his injury designation Friday, so if that same pattern unfolds this week then he should again be in store for his usual slot-heavy role this Sunday at Chicago.