Prior to their Week 17 game against the New York Giants, it appeared that tight end Zach Ertz was already gone for the postseason run due to a lacerated kidney.
Now, it looks like he could play this Sunday.
Speaking Friday at the NovaCare Complex, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson seemed more optimistic than he was prior in the week that Ertz could play.
"Zach, still not cleared for any contact. He will be working on the side again like he has done this week, but we are waiting on a few doctor results tomorrow," Pederson said. "If things go favorable, he'll play. If they don't, he won't."
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.
If Ertz is cleared in time for Sunday, the Eagles have to feel good about their matchup of Ertz annd Goedert vs. a Seattle defense that has taken a step back this season and is dealing with injuries at linebacker.
As for the other injured Eagles...
Miles Sanders, RB: It sounds like Sanders will indeed play on Sunday after suffering an ankle injury in the team's win over the Giants.
'Miles is good," Pederson said. "He'll see get some work in today and see where he is at."
Sanders is expected to take part in some portion of practice on Friday, the first time this week he will hit the practice field.
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.
Lane Johnson, OT: At this point, of all the injured players, it seems Johnson is the least likely to play. The right tackle has not been a full participant in practice all week.
"Lane is still working. He is a tough guy, he really wants to play in this football game," Pederson said. "We'll find out more today and see where he is at today before we put out a report, but he is working to try to play in this football game."
Usually, when Pederson answers a question about an injury like that, the player is ruled out later that day. It would be surprising if Johnson was ruled out, considering the Eagles likely want Seattle to think he might play, but the chances of Johnson playing seem slim.
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. If he can't, it will likely be Vaitai at tackle and Matt Pryor at guard.
Jalen Mills, CB: Mills was a full participant in practice on Thursday and is all set to play on Sunday.
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!
