Injury Report: Sam Bradford Questionable For Thanksgiving Game In Detroit
By Kevin McGuire
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford has been listed as questionable for the Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions. That likely means the Eagles will roll with Mark Sanchez at quarterback off a short week after playing on Sunday. Tight end Zach Ertz and running back Ryan Mathews are officially out. All three injured offensive players are victims of concussions, while Bradford is also rehabbing a left shoulder injury.
During the short week to prepare for a road game on Thursday, the Eagles held Ertz and Mathews out of practices on Monday, Tuesday and again on Wednesday. Bradford was available all week, although it was in a limited capacity before Wednesday. Bradford returned for a full practice on Wednesday before the team prepared to make a flight to the Motor City. Despite being available in practice this week, it should probably be expected the Eagles stick with Mark Sanchez. With Bradford working back from concussion symptoms, throwing him to the Lions against a defensive line that pass rushes effectively would be a bad idea. That will just mean Sanchez needs to be able to get rid of the football quickly, with the Eagles utilizing short and quick passing plays to their advantage. Not having Mathews to contribute in the fashion stings, but that should lead to more opportunities for Darren Sproles or Kenjon Barner to get some playing time alongside DeMarco Murray as the featured back.
Sanchez may be without two key players protecting him this Thursday as well. Center Jason Kelce is listed as questionable after being held out of practice this week due to a knee injury. Offensive tackle Jason Peters continues to be battling through a back injury that has left him in doubt in recent weeks. The good news, if there is any bright spot, is he is getting more involved at practices. Peters was available for full practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, in addition to a limited practice on Monday. Still, he officially remains questionable.
A handful of players have been listed as probable for the Thanksgiving game in Detroit, although none appear to be at risk of not playing after going through full practices all week. Linebackers Kiko Alonso, Connor Barwin and DeMeco Ryans are all listed as probable but should have no problem being available. Defensive back Walter Thurmond's hamstring is a mild concern, but nothing that appears to keep him out of action. Defensive end Cedric Thornton was the only player to miss a practice this week that is listed as probable. Thornton sat out of Monday's practice but was available the past two days.
Probable:
LB Kiko Alonso (ankle)
LB Connor Barwin (quadricep)
LB DeMeco Ryans (hamstring)
DE Cedric Thornton (ankle)
DB Walter Thurmond (hamstring)
Questionable:
QB Sam Bradford (concussion, left shoulder)
C Jason Kelce (knee)
OT Jason Peters (back)
Out:
TE Zach Ertz (concussion)
RB Ryan Mathews (concussion, groin)
Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on Examiner.com.