The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to have Sam Bradford back to start in Week 13 after the quarterback missed two games with a shoulder injury and a concussion. Head coach Chip Kelly said that Bradford would be evaluated in practice and if he was able to throw without any major setbacks, he likely would start on Sunday.
Bradford has missed the last two games for the Eagles and the team has had Mark Sanchez under center while he has been out. The Eagles have lost three straight games to fall to 4-7, but the team remains alive in the NFC division race since Washington and New York have 5-6 records. The Eagles have a tough test with the 10-1 New England Patriots on the schedule this week and the team is hoping the return of Bradford can spark the offense.
Bradford threw in practice on Tuesday to test out his shoulder and after that he was able to be a full participant in Wednesday's session, according to Pro Football Talk. Bradford said to ESPN that he feels "much better" than he did "at this point last week" and that without any setbacks he should be able to start against the Patriots. Sanchez was inconsistent coming in for Bradford and the team now will be looking to bounce back after scoring just 31 total points in the last two games and giving up 90 on defense.
Ryan Mathews will likely be out for Week 13, as the running back remains in the concussion protocol, according to Eagles Insider. Mathews has not played since Week 11 against the Dolphins and that puts DeMarco Murray firmly in the lead back role for this week against the Patriots. Murray has been the main starter all season, but Mathews has been getting his touches too and this week it will be more of Murray, Darren Sproles and Kenjon Barner.
Chip Kelly has been taking some major heat from the Philadelphia media over the past few weeks, as the team has not scored more than 20 points in each of the three losses in November. Kelly took control of player personnel this offseason and he has been taking the brunt of the blame for the Eagles woes in recent weeks. Kelly has been linked to various college openings this year along with the Tennessee Titans, but the coach has given no indication that he is looking to leave Philadelphia.