Injury Report: Will Trent Cole Play For Eagles Vs. Redskins?
By Kevin McGuire
A broken hand to Trent Cole has kept the outside linebacker out of practices this week, but his status for Saturday afternoon in Washington remains uncertain. There is still a chance Cole might play, but every other player listed on the Eagles injury report should be available to play, except for quarterback Nick Foles.
Cole sat out of practices on Wednesday and Thursday as reports surfaced from the Eagles that Cole was heading to surgery for his broken left hand, suffered in Sunday night's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. If Cole is unavailable, the Eagles will likely move Brandon Graham into the other outside linebacker position. Emmanuel Acho could be used at times as well, but Graham would be the first alternative. Graham has had a decent season and has a chance to play a key role in a pivotal game for the team. Acho will be probable for this weekend’s NFC East tilt despite a nagging groin injury. Acho has been in full practices all week.
Elsewhere on defense, starting defensive tackle Bennie Logan (pectoral) should be available. Logan has been available for practices all week. The reserves on defense may be slightly banged up, but every other player on the most recent depth chart appear ready to play if needed. Defensive tackle Beau Allen (shoulder), defensive end Brandon Bair (knee), safety Bennie Logan (pectoral) have all been practicing in full sessions this week.
With two weeks left in the regular season, it is still unknown whether or not quarterback Nick Foles will get another start this season. Foles has returned to practice this week with his helmet on, which should be a good sign. He will be out once again this week, but could return for a playoff game if the Eagles reach the postseason. Mark Sanchez will continue to lead the offense with the playoff hopes on the line.
Just two other Eagles players on offense appear on the injury report. Wide receiver Jordan Matthews is playing through a minor knee injury, but should be available as a key contributor on offense. Veteran tight end Brent Celek has been slowed by a neck injury, although he has been available for full practices this week and looks to be available for Saturday afternoon. Running back Chris Polk (ankle) has also been part of full practices this week and should be available for special teams duties in addition to minor contributions on offense.
Rookie kicker Cody Parkey has continued to be as reliable as ever on special teams despite playing the last few weeks with a right groin injury. Parkey should continue to be a dependable resource again this week.
Probable
LB Emmanuel Acho (groin)
DT Beau Allen (shoulder)
DE Brandon Bair (knee)
TE Brent Celek (neck)
DT Bennie Logan (pectoral)
S Chris Maragos (hamstring)
WR Jordan Matthews (knee)
K Cody Parkey (right groin)
RB Chris Polk (ankle)
Questionable
LB Trent Cole (hand)
Out
QB Nick Foles (collarbone)
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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.