The long list of missing faces on offense for the Philadelphia Eagles continues to grow.
Coach Andy Reid told reporters Tuesday that wide receiver DeSean Jackson is headed to injured reserve after suffering multiple rib fractures in Monday night's loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Eagles later officially announced the move.
Jackson was injured on a 2-yard end-around run in the first quarter of the 30-22 loss. He didn't return and won't play again this season.
It's getting ugly in Philly. The Eagles went into the game without starting quarterback Michael Vick and running back LeSean McCoy, both battling their way back from concussions. The offensive line is shredded by injuries. It might provide some excuse for why the Eagles have crumbled in recent weeks, but Reid swatted that down.
"That's not where we're at," Reid said.
Jackson has been a disappointment this season after signing a lucrative new deal, but he did lead the team with 45 catches for 700 and two touchdowns. Tight end Brent Celek's role will increase and Jeremy Maclin now steps into the No. 1 role, a position he isn't well-suited for.
The Eagles are in a tailspin and Reid's normally down-tempo press conference demeanor sunk to forced whispers and grunts on Tuesday. The castle is crumbling and that was the case with or without the team's best receiver.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
