Philadelphia Eagles News: Injury Updates on Nnamdi Asomugha and More

One of the main goals coaching staffs have during the preseason is to make it through the four games without losing any key players to injury. The Philadelphia Eagles have been able to avoid any significant hits, but are still a little banged up right now.

Several key defensive players are on the mend as the team prepares for its second preseason game on Monday night against the New England Patriots. Let's take a look at the latest updates on their condition and the outlook for the primetime clash.

Nnamdi Asomugha

After being involved in a scary collision during practice on Monday, Asomugha's status was up in the air. Luckily, it appears he was able to avoid any significant head issues. Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports he'll be back on the practice field Thursday.

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Andy Reid said that Nnamdi Asomugha will return to practice today.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 16, 2012"

Even though he's made such a quick comeback, his status for Monday's game remains unknown as everybody waits to see how his body reacts after returning to practice. Potential head injuries are taken more seriously than ever in the NFL.

The Eagles would like to have him out there to see how their first-team defense matches up against the high-powered Patriots offense, but they won't take any unnecessary risks with one of their top corners.

Jason Babin

Babin, who led the team and finished third in the league with 18 sacks last season, has been out with a strained calf. The initial timetable in late July was two-to-three weeks, but McLane reports the Eagles are likely to take a more cautious approach.

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Reid: There's a chance Babin is ready for last preseason game. Don't want to rush him.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 16, 2012"

The Eagles need a healthy Babin for the defense to reach maximum efficiency during the regular season. He's shown over the past two years that he's an elite rusher off the end, so there's really nothing for him to prove to the coaches.

Calf injuries have a tendency to linger because the muscle is so important to getting an explosive jump at the snap. It's important for Babin to get back to full strength so the injury won't plague him all year.

Trent Cole

The other half of Philadelphia's dynamic defensive end duo is battling an injury of his own. Cole has an AC joint shoulder injury that forced him to miss the team's preseason opener, although the reliable veteran doesn't sound too worried about it.

CBS Sports lists Cole as questionable for the Patriots game, but probable for the regular season opener. Just like Babin, that's all that really matters. Cole has registered 68 sacks during his seven-year career and will reach a double-digit total again if healthy.

So far, the Eagles have been able to avoid a crushing injury. It's no surprise to see Andy Reid playing it safe with his defensive stars. After watching a brutal start doom his team last season, the head coach will want his players healthy to get off to a quick start in 2012.