The Philadelphia Eagles need some positive momentum working in their favor quickly. The team is coming off an ugly loss to the Detroit Lions and needs a win if everyone intends to keep their jobs. With multiple players dealing with injuries, the Eagles are hopeful that the return of some familiar faces sparks change for the team and it could start with Sam Bradford who could be cleared to play against the New England Patriots.
According to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Bradford has returned to practice following a shoulder injury and concussion that kept him out two weeks. It is unclear if that means he can play Sunday against the Patriots, but having him back on the field is a better sign at least. The bigger question is whether or not Bradford is an upgrade over Mark Sanchez. Both quarterbacks have struggled as the starter. If Bradford is not completely healthy, it might not be worth pushing him on the field too early. Head coach Chip Kelly is thinking of all the options.
"If you have some instability in your left shoulder ... you're susceptible to something if you get hit. Can he handle that? Can he take a hit so it's not something that's going to affect him long-term?" Kelly said, via the Philadelphia Daily News.
The Eagles are prepared to start Sanchez if need be and the return of other offensive stars could certainly help whoever is under center. According to CSNPhiladelphia.com, Zach Ertz is practicing again with the team after suffering a concussion. It is expected that the tight end will be cleared to play in Sunday's matchup. He is an immediate fantasy starter again as Ertz quickly developed into a top target for the Eagles this season. Having him on the field will be a nice safety blanket for the quarterback.
One player still out is Ryan Mathews who has yet to be cleared following a concussion. It is looking less likely that the running back will be healthy to play on Sunday which means Darren Sproles and DeMarco Murray must step up. Both running backs struggled against the Detroit Lions defense which ultimately hurt the offense moving forward. Sproles and Murray will have to player a bigger role against the Patriots if the Eagles are going to win. Riley Cooper and Jordan Matthews also need big games against the improved New England secondary.