Is it possible that former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was just that locked in during the 2018 NFL postseason? Or does he really not remember Eagles players — including his former teammate Chris Long — and thousands of Eagles fans rocking dog masks on their way to winning Super Bowl LII, with Nick Foles and the Birds entering each game that postseason as underdogs, despite being the NFC’s top seed.

Well, it’s either that or one too many concussions. Because in an interview with Kay Adams, where it seemed like she was trying to scare him with a boogey-man from his past, Gronk had absolutely no memory of the dog masks.

Take a look:

Don’t worry, there won’t be any dog masks this weekend, as the Eagles are favored to beat the Giants on Saturday night at the Linc.

— Matt Mullin

With just two full days left before the Eagles face the Giants in the divisional round of the playoffs, we’ve got an updated look at the injury situation for both teams. First, here’s a look at the Eagles, who have a long report today, but the good news is most of it is players getting a day of rest.

The only player who didn’t practice for an injury reason was Avonte Maddox. Brandon Graham was also a non-participant, but that was due to an illness.

As for the Giants, here’s a look at their injuries...

— Matt Mullin

The bar was low — I mean, it has to be when you’re expecting a little kid to flip you off — but Giants running back Saquon Barkley sees some growth among Eagles fans.

This comes after Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence said he wasn’t going to let his mom come to the Linc for the game — because, he said, he knows “she’ll go right back at them.”

Maybe she should feel a little safer given the new level of maturity Barkley noted, but if there’s one thing this writer has noted from going to countless Eagles games over the years — it’s not the young ones you need to watch out for. They’re still in training.

— Matt Mullin

Jake Elliott has never missed four extra points in a row, but he said he knew how kicker Brett Maher felt when he failed to connect on PATs after the Cowboys’ first four touchdowns against the Buccaneers on Monday night.

“You don’t like watching it, first of all, because you know what his going through,” Elliott said on Wednesday. “Everyone’s had a day like that, whether it’s practice, whether it’s in a game. … If you’re in his shoes you just can’t wait to go back out there and put one through and put it to bed.”

Lucky for Maher, he got that opportunity after Dallas scored its fifth touchdown in a 31-14 rout at Tampa in the first round of the playoffs. He split the uprights – not that Elliott saw it.

“It was just late,” he said, “and I wanted to go to sleep.”

The Eagles kicker missed only five kicks the entire season, connecting on 20 of 23 field goals and 51 of 53 extra points. Elliott wasn’t needed much on field goals early in the season as the offense kept producing in the red zone. But he went 5 for 5 – with two 50-plus-yard boots – in the season finale win over the New York Giants.

In other Eagles special teams news, punter Arryn Siposs wasn’t at practice on Wednesday. Last week, he said he had hoped to test out his left plant leg this week after having the walking boot removed, with the chance to play against the Giants in the divisional playoffs on Saturday.

Siposs suffered an ankle sprain in the December win over the Giants and missed the final four games of the season. Brett Kern has struggled in his place, but it looks like the veteran punter will be needed for another game.

— Jeff McLane

The Eagles took beatings head to toe on the way to the NFL playoffs. None suffered a life-threatening sudden cardiac arrest like Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. But the shoulders, groins, knees, kidneys, and heads of the Eagles got their fair share of blows. In addition, concussions forced players to miss time on the field.

Some of the main injuries that shaped the Eagles’ road to this weekend’s divisional-round game against the New York Giants include a torn ACL, a lacerated kidney, and several consequential sprains.

Torn ACL

The mere mention of an ACL tear can send a chill down the spine of some Eagles fans. ...

In Week 1 of the 2022 season, defensive end Derek Barnett limped off the field in Detroit with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The 26-year-old first-round draft pick in 2017 ended his season before finishing a full game. ...

Shoulder sprains

The Eagles’ first loss of the season came mid-November against the Washington Commanders. The day after, fans learned that tight end Dallas Goedert hurt his shoulder on a controversial play in that game. He missed five games and returned in time to face the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve. “Dallas in Dallas has a nice ring to it,” he joked to an Inquirer reporter at the time.

Earlier in December, quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a similar shoulder injury during the Eagles’ win over the Chicago Bears. He missed two games — two losses — and returned in time to help the Birds clinch the top seed in their last game of the regular season.

» READ MORE: Eagles took a beating to get to the playoffs. Here are some of the injuries.

— Abraham Gutman

At this time last week, the Eagles’ odds to win their second Super Bowl championship were the same as they are today at BetMGM and FanDuel: +500. And they’re slightly better at Caesars Sportsbook, dropping from +550 last week to +525.

So how did Philadelphia dip to the fourth spot at all three sportsbooks? Because the 49ers stepped forward more so than the Eagles stepped back.

San Francisco’s Super Bowl odds shrunk from +500 last week to +400 at BetMGM; from +450 to +380 at Caesars; and from +500 to +450 at FanDuel.

So what led to this flip-flop of the Eagles and Niners in the Super Bowl betting markets? Multiple factors.

While San Francisco has been rolling, winning 11 straight games, the Eagles have slammed into some speed bumps. After its 13-1 start, Philadelphia lost consecutive games to the Cowboys (road) and Saints (home) without Jalen Hurts, who was sidelined with a shoulder sprain. And although he returned in Week 18 to lead the Eagles to a win against New York, he clearly wasn’t 100 percent.

Hurts’ health — nobody really knows how close to 100 percent he is — certainly has impacted how bettors and oddsmakers view the Eagles’ chances to not only win Super Bowl LVII but get to the big game.

In fact, at BetMGM, Philly and San Francisco have identical odds to win the NFC (both +160). Caesars has the 49ers as a slight favorite (+160 vs. +165), while the Eagles have a slim edge at FanDuel (+150 vs. +170).

» READ MORE: Super Bowl odds: Eagles down to fourth choice to win it all

— Matt Jacob, The Action Network

Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham is not participating during Wednesday’s practice.

According to a league source, Graham’s absence is not considered serious. The veteran pass rusher is dealing with an illness, the source said.

— Josh Tolentino

Historically, Eagles running back Boston Scott has been trouble for the Giants.

As Jeff McLane pointed out Tuesday, 10 of Scott’s 17 career touchdowns have come in his eight games against the Giants. And Scott has rushed for 414 yards on 86 carries (4.8 average) and caught 17 passes for 222 yards (13.1 avg.) vs. New York.

But Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale brushed off concerns about Scott when asked by reporters Wednesday.

“He’s a good running back. They’ve got a stable of good running backs,” Martindale said. “Just because he scored, I don’t think he’s a Giants killer.”

» READ MORE: Boston Scott has been trouble for the Giants

— Rob Tornoe

Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon recently interviewed for the Houston Texans head coaching vacancy.

On Wednesday afternoon, Gannon was asked about interviewing for different coaching jobs. Before a reporter could complete his question, the 40-year-old Gannon interrupted and said: “Yeah — New York Giants.”

The Eagles finished second in the NFL in total yards allowed (301.5) and first in passing yards allowed per game (179.8). During their two regular-season victories over the Giants, the Eagles gave up a combined 38 points.

— Josh Tolentino

The Eagles signed defensive back Tristin McCollum to a reserve/future contract, the team announced Wednesday.

McCollum, 23, spent time on the Houston Texans’ practice squad last season. The undrafted defensive back played at Sam Houston State University, and his twin brother, Zyon McCollum, is a cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

So what’s a futures contract?

According to the league, it’s the same as a regular contract, only it doesn’t take effect until the start of the next league year on March 15, so it won’t count against the salary cap (or the active roster) until next season when it expands to 90 players. Any player not part of an active roster when the regular season ends is eligible for a futures contract, and it locks the player up until training camp rolls around (practice squad players can be signed by any team willing to add them to their active roster).

Former Green Bay Packers general manager Andrew Brandt said teams can occasionally uncover a gem using futures contracts. The Packers once signed defensive end Cullen Jenkins as a reserve/future player, and he ended up spending 13 seasons in the NFL, including two with the Eagles.

— Rob Tornoe

The Phillies have the “lamest nickname in sports.” The Sixers tried to sell tanking as “The Process.” The Flyers “have maintained their despicability.” As for the Eagles, “Where to even begin?”

Those are among 76 reasons that Giants fans should despise Philadelphia, according to an NJ.com piece that columnist Steve Politi dedicates to “everyone who will not be among the Santa-booing, horse-punching” Eagles partisans at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.

The article is “for people who recognize that a nonfunctioning cracked bell is something to be left on the curb for bulky waste day, for people who can celebrate a victory without needing to coat lampposts with Crisco.”

(You mean that don’t do that in North Jersey?)

The writer does at least have kind words for Jason Kelce and his legendary observation after the Eagles won it all in 2018 – to wit: We’re from Philly. F--ing Philly. No one likes us. We don’t care.

“So, hey, he scores points for historical accuracy!”

— Anthony R. Wood

The Atlanta Falcons are interviewing Vic Fangio for their vacant defensive coordinator position, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday morning.

So why should Eagles fans care?

After being fired as the head coach of the Denver Broncos after the 2021 season, Fangio, 64, took this year off by choice. As The Inquirer previously reported, Fangio spent several days observing Eagles training camp this summer and was a part-time in-season consultant to defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

Fangio could be an option at defensive coordinator for the Eagles, if Gannon is hired away by one of several teams considering him for a head coaching position.

» READ MORE: Who could replace Eagles’ Jonathan Gannon and Shane Steichen if they leave for head coaching jobs?

— Rob Tornoe

Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence is prepared for a “gritty” environment at Lincoln Financial Field during Saturday’s playoff game against the Eagles.

So prepared, he told his mom to steer clear of Philadelphia.

“I told my mom she can’t come to the game because she’ll go right back at them,” Lawrence told reporters on Tuesday. “It should be fun, and I’m excited.”

Lawrence wasn’t alone in discussing Eagles fans. Giants safety Julian Love said he expects the crowd to be “electric”, while offensive lineman Andrew Thomas called the environment at the Linc “brutal.”

“It’s nothing but us against the world, that’s the mentality that we have,” Thomas told reporters Tuesday.

— Rob Tornoe

The Giants have had the definition of an up-and-down season, though they appear to be healthier for Saturday’s playoff matchup against the Eagles.

Here are four run facts about the big, bad, and perhaps dangerous Giants:

» READ MORE: 20 things to know about the Giants

— Ed Barkowitz, For The Inquirer

Giants safety Julian Love didn’t hold back Tuesday when asked by reporters about the threat posed by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

“He’s a challenge to play against,” Love said. “Because of his arm, his legs, he has really elevated his game, so we have to try to play him the best we can because he has a lot of tools in his bag. He has a lot of weapons around him.”

Hurts, who’s averaging 50.7 yards on 11 rushing attempts per game, said he’s “feeling good” after suffering a shoulder injury against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 18. Head coach Nick Sirianni said Hurts is “full go” at practice.

The 24-year-old has recorded 13 rushing touchdowns alongside a career-best passing effort that included 22 touchdowns and six interceptions.

“When you look at guys across the league that can run the ball at a high level, he has to be up there with the top quarterbacks right now,” Love said. “He’s efficient. His ability to run the ball and scramble opens up a lot of things for their offense.”

— Isabella DiAmore

Planning on running up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art? Some Eagles players will be joining you.

Ahead of Saturday’s playoff game against the New York Giants, the Art Museum has installed giant cutouts of four Eagles players on its iconic front steps — quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver DeVonta Smith, linebacker Brandon Graham, and cornerback Darius Slay.

This isn’t the first time Eagles cutouts have appeared on the steps of the Art Museum. Birds players were prominently displayed last year before the team’s wild-card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Players also adorned the steps in 2018, when the underdog Eagles defeated Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl.

The cutout idea was first rolled out back in 2014, when the museum adorned its steps with former Eagles stars like Nick Foles, Brian Westbrook, and DeSean Jackson ahead of the Birds’ wild-card loss against the New Orleans Saints.

» READ MORE: Eagles players appear on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

— Rob Tornoe

The New York Giants haven’t won a game at Lincoln Financial Field in nine seasons, and it’s safe to assume Eagles fans did their part during those wins.

A frequent question soaring through the Giants locker room this week is how will they handle the environment in Philadelphia brought on by loud Birds fans.

“It’s a divisional game I think that brings some intensity to it,” said Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. “They’re known for having a good crowd that supports their team, so we’re prepared for it, we played there before.”

Sure they’ve played here before, but during a prime-time playoff game between two NFC East rivals with the winner moving to one game from the Super Bowl, even safety Julian Love admitted the crowd’s energy will be turned up a notch.

“Playing in Philadelphia — electric,” Love said. “Their fans are very passionate, they’re very into it. The team feeds off the crowd. It’s a city that loves their football team for sure.”

— Isabella DiAmore

The matchup between the Eagles and Giants is an interesting one. On the one side, you have one of the NFL’s most elite dual-threat quarterbacks. On the other side, you have Jalen Hurts.

That’s a joke, yes, but a far less obvious one than it used to be. Daniel Jones may not look like a guy who can consistently beat you off the dribble, but the Vikings learned on Sunday what can happen when a defense loses him in transition.

In addition to his 301 yards on 24 of 35 passing, the fourth-year quarterback racked up 78 rushing yards on a whopping 17 carries in the Giants’ 31-24 upset of Minnesota. According to the analytics, three of the Giants’ 11 most valuable plays were rushes by Jones. In addition to a couple of quarterback sneaks on fourth-and-1, he had a 12-yard scramble on third-and-2 from the Vikings’ 27-yard line in the second quarter that led to a new set of downs. (The drive culminated in a field goal.)

Jones’ seven rushing first downs were tied for second all-time by a quarterback in a postseason game. The only quarterback to get more than seven was Lamar Jackson against the Titans in the 2019 playoffs. Before that, the last quarterback to rush for seven first downs in a playoff game was Colin Kaepernick.

» READ MORE: He’s back scrambling: Eagles defense knows it must keep Daniel Jones contained

— David Murphy

For Saturday’s Giants game, the Eagles have drawn referee Clete Blakeman.

A quick look at the numbers reveals the Eagles are 13-1 in games where Blakeman has been the head official, including two blowout wins this season against the Giants on Dec. 11 and the Steelers on Oct. 30.

Blakeman, 58, is in his 15th season as as NFL official. After serving a few seasons as a field judge, he was promoted to referee during the 2010 season, and has gone on to call several postseason games, including Super Bowl 50. If he seems eerily familiar, it’s because he appears in Madden football as the game’s referee.

But Blakeman might be best known for a bungled penalty announcement during that Eagles-Steelers game, where his attempt at explaining a call against Brandon Graham ended up as a viral word salad.

— Rob Tornoe

Jalen Hurts had been on campus at Oklahoma for just a few days when he gathered the team after an offseason January practice. Four years later, he enters this Saturday’s divisional-round playoff game as one of the NFL’s promising young quarterbacks for the top-seeded Eagles.

But then, Hurts was a transfer who had been discarded at his previous stop. He joined Oklahoma for his final college season a week after throwing two passes as a backup in Alabama’s national championship game loss. A season earlier, he had led the Crimson Tide to the final game but was benched at halftime.

For anyone else, the 12 months that preceded Hurts’ arrival to Oklahoma would have been crushing.

“But he’s just cut from a little different cloth from most people,” said Lincoln Riley, then Oklahoma’s head coach. “His attitude, his outlook on things. He has some real perspective for being as young as he is and being thrown into some of the situations that he’s been thrown into really early on in life.”

» READ MORE: A tarmac, Xbox, and the LeBron Special: How Oklahoma helped Jalen Hurts become the Eagles’ star QB

— Matt Breen

The Eagles will take on the New York Giants at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. The game will air on Fox, which is airing two of the four divisional round game this season.

Calling the game will be Joe Davis and Daryl Johnston, with Pam Oliver and Kristina Pink reporting from the sidelines at the Linc Saturday night.

The early game on Saturday features the Jacksonville Jaguars traveling to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs, the No. 1 seed in the AFC. It will feature two former Eagles head coaches — Andy Reid and Doug Pederson — facing off for the first time in the playoffs.

Saturday, Jan. 21

Sunday, Jan. 22

The AFC and NFC championship games will take place on Sunday, Jan. 29. Super Bowl LVII is Sunday, Feb. 12, and will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

» READ MORE: 2023 NFL playoffs: Full TV schedule

— Rob Tornoe