Injuries have been an issue for the Eagles all season, so it is no surprise that heading into their playoff game this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, this team remains banged up.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday at the NovaCare Complex, head coach Doug Pederson offered these updates on the key injured Eagles' players:
Miles Sanders, RB: Pederson said that Sanders (ankle) is considered "day-to-day" and that he is hoping the running back will be able to get some mental reps in walk through on Wednesday.
Of all the injured Eagles, there is an argument to be made that they need Sanders the most. The running back has been arguably the best skill position player in the second half of the season, and although backup Boston Scott is playing well, counting on him to carry the run game for an entire half likely isn't realistic. With Sanders being such a key part of the run and passing game, having him out there on Sunday will be huge for the Eagles.
Zach Ertz, TE: Ertz, who is dealing with both a rib and lacerated kidney, has not yet been cleared for contact, which will need to happen for him to play on Sunday. Ertz is expected to take part in a portion of practice on Wednesday but at most it sounds like he will be a very limited participant.
Ertz missed the team's game against the Giants, a rare occurrence for a player that has missed only four meaningful games over the last five seasons. The good news for the Eagles is that backup Dallas Goedert played great last Sunday, and looks like he could handle the responsibility of being the No. 1 tight end for another week if needed.
Lane Johnson, OT: Johnson, like Ertz, is expected to take part in a position of practice but Pederson didn't yet know how much he would be able to do. Johnson seems to have a better chance to play than Ertz, both his chance of suiting up still seems to be 50/50 at best.
Johnson has been out since the Eagles' win over the New York Giants in Week 14. Backup Halapoulivaati Vaitai has played well in his absence. With Brandon Brooks out, it is possible that they move Vaitai to guard if Johnson can play.
Jalen Mills, CB: Mills seems to have the best chance to play of all the injured players, and said after the Eagles' victory over the Giants that he expects to play against the Seahawks.
Mills not playing last Sunday was a bit of a surprise, but having him back this week will be a big boost to a secondary that clearly benefits from having Mills and his energy on the field.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
