Injury Report: Trent Cole Returns to Eagles Following Hand Surgery
By Kevin McGuire
Trent Cole was able to participate in full practices leading up to Christmas, suggesting he should be more than ready to play in the season finale Sunday afternoon. Last week Cole was forced to miss the game against Washington, but with him back that should give a boost to the defense. The linebacking position is not in the best shape though, because Mychal Kendricks (ankle) has been limited in practice this week. His status for Sunday afternoon is up in the air, but look for him to be limited at best at this point. That means Emmanuel Acho should be getting some playing time in the middle of the defense, alongside Casey Matthews. Matthews missed some practice time this week, but not for an injury-related reason. Matthews was excused from practice to be with his wife as she gave birth to their son, Braylon. He should be available to play Sunday despite the missed practice time.
A few other Eagles players on defense are practicing through some mild injuries. Defensive tackle Beau Allen (shoulder), defensive end Brandon Bair (knee) and safety Chris Maragos (hamstring) should all be probable for Sunday. Cornerback Bradley Fletcher is a different story though. A hip injury has slowed him down in practice this week. Fletcher has been limited in practices this week and may very well be sitting on the sideline in the season finale. The Eagles secondary will be in enough trouble anyway, with New York Giants rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. running away with rookie of the year consideration.
On offense, the Eagles appear to be in decent shape, aside from the collarbone injury to Foles of course. Tight end Trey Burton (back) has been available for full practices this week. So has rookie wide receiver Jordan Matthews (knee). Matthews has shown some great promise this season. He should have a chance to put the finishing touches on what has been a solid rookie campaign in Chip Kelly’s offense.
Running back and special teams contributor Chris Polk has been removed from the team’s official injury reports this week after spending a number of the past weeks listed in some capacity.
Probable
DT Beau Allen (shoulder)
DE Brandon Bair (Knee)
TE Trey Burton (Back)
LB Trent Cole (Hand)
S Chris Maragos (Hamstring)
WR Jordan Matthews (Knee)
Questionable
CB Bradley Fletcher (Hip)
LB Mychal Kendricks (Ankle)
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.
