The Philadelphia Eagles are playing on a short week which does not bode well for the number of injuries the team is facing. Set to face off against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving day, the Eagles may or may not have several of their offensive stars on the field. With both Zach Ertz and Ryan Mathews dealing with concussions and Sam Bradford eyeing a return, the starters for Week 12 are a mystery right now.
All eyes are on Bradford as the quarterback works his way back from a separated shoulder. According to Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com, Bradford has returned to practice and is throwing with the team, but his status for Week 12 has yet to be determined. With just a handful of practices before the game against the Detroit Lions, it does not seem likely the quarterback will be cleared for play, but the Eagles are not ready to make the call just yet.
"We'll see what happens when he goes out on the field," Kelly said, via ESPN.com. "I'm done with the updates. You guys will see him on the field; you guys can get it then. I gave you an update last week and I was wrong, so I don't want to be wrong again."
Mark Sanchez is expected to get the nod for Week 12 and must improve if he intends to keep the job. The quarterback tossed three interceptions in the loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11 while also getting into a fight with Darren Sproles on the sidelines. Kelly noted the loss was ugly, but the quarterback position is not expected to change.
Now the question becomes who Sanchez or Bradford has to work with in Week 12. According to Philly.com, Zach Ertz will likely be ruled out against the Lions are suffering a concussion in Week 11. The tight end has become the best offensive producer for the team and losing him could be a huge issue for Philadelphia. Ryan Mathews has also not been cleared to play yet according to Philly.com as he too deals with a concussion. That will put a lot of pressure on other players to step up which has been an issue for Philadelphia.
The Eagles need Jordan Matthews to get going. Right now the team is relying on Brent Celek and Riley Cooper who will be big against the Lions. Matthews is struggling with drops and inconsistencies as he was held to just 13 yards against the Buccaneers. DeMarco Murray is another player needing to prove something as his effort in Week 11 was questioned. In need of a big bounce back win, the Eagles will have all the pressure on them against the Detroit Lions.
