Eagles Quarterback Situation Remains Cloudy
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Sam Bradford has passed his concussion protocol, but there is still no guarantee he will play on Thursday.
Bradford missed last Sunday's game against Tampa Bay after getting knocked out of the game against Miami the previous week. In addition to suffering the third concussion of his career, Bradford injured his left shoulder in the loss to the Dolphins. The shoulder is apparently the only health issue keeping Bradford's status up in the air for the Eagles' Thanksgiving game in Detroit.
"I've been cleared for the concussion," said Bradford. "It's kind of hard to throw out a percentage and gauge my chances of going. If it (the shoulder) continues to progress and gets better, I'd like to be out there. Ultimately, it's going to be in the trainers and the coaches hands."
The coaches have been quiet as far as the possibility of Bradford playing. Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur insists the update on his quarterback is less a deception and more of an honest assessment of where Bradford stands as game day gets closer.
"I can't tell you what's going to happen," Shurmur said. "I don't know who's going to be healthy. I'm not trying to mislead you. I'd love to give you an answer, but I don't want to do that and then it's not correct."
Meanwhile, Mark Sanchez continues to wait in the wings. Sanchez threw three interceptions last week in the loss to the Buccaneers, and would likely like a chance at redemption. While Sanchez and the rest of the Eagles continue to wait on Bradford, Sanchez is preparing as if he will be starting this week.
"I'm not worried about it," said Sanchez. "You've got to prepare and take all of the reps seriously. That's what I've done all week, and I'll be ready to go on Thursday. Every rep can help and every opportunity can help."
Whoever is under center on Thursday will look to turn around what is quickly becoming a lost season. After Sunday's humiliating loss to Tampa Bay, the Eagles are 4-6. One more loss will make it difficult to climb back into the NFC East race, especially with a trip to New England on the schedule for December 5th. Bradford is hoping he'll get his chance to help on Thursday.
"I think we need this game about as bad as we've needed one all year," Bradford said. "I hope I'm out there."