Eagles WR A.J. Brown ruled out for wild-card matchup against Bucs

Based on his importance to the offense and how the team’s played for the past two months, the injury might be season-ending.

Brown led Philadelphia this year in targets (158), receptions (106), receiving yards (1,456) and tied with DeVonta Smith for the most receiving touchdowns (seven).

The Eagles are 1-5 in their last six games, averaging 20.5 points per game. While Smith, who won the 2020 Heisman, can fill in as the No. 1 wideout, Philadelphia is incredibly thin at wide receiver behind him.

Veteran Julio Jones, Quez Watkins and Olamide Zaccheaus combined for 36 receptions and 380 yards, the NFL equivalent of this three-headed dragon.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts is also dealing with a finger injury, which is not a great sign for someone who's previously had ball security issues in important games.

Brown's absence and Hurts' injury couldn't have come at a worse time. The Eagles will likely need to throw the ball successfully on Monday night to beat the Bucs. They aren't equipped to win a low-scoring game.

From Weeks 13-18, only the Seahawks had a worse defense by expected points added (EPA) per play. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield recently posted the first perfect passer rating by an opposing quarterback at Green Bay's Lambeau Field and should be able to light up Philly's defense by targeting wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

The Eagles were already limping into the postseason, but losing Brown could knock them down for good.