The Philadelphia Eagles have been missing a couple starters since the regular season opener. Tight end, Zach Ertz, and cornerback, Leodis McKelvin, are expected to play this Sunday versus the Detroit Lions.
#Eagles CB Leodis McKelvin (hamstring) said he practiced today. Asked about playing Sunday, said, "Looks like it."
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) October 3, 2016
McKelvin is expected to resume his duties as the Eagles left side cornerback, where rookie, Jalen Mills, has played the last two weeks. How the Eagles will rotate and use the corners, given Mills’ recent play, is up in the air right now.
Zach Ertz said he was cleared by doctors today. Said rib that was displaced is 100 pct. healthy. #Eagles
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) October 3, 2016
Ertz returning to the offense gives Wentz another reliable target at his disposal. The Eagles are expected to utilize the ’13 personnel’ a lot this season and haven’t been able to deploy it yet since Burton missed week one and Ertz 2-3.
Eagles starting running back, Ryan Mathews, also is expected to play after suffering with an ankle injury since the season began. Mathews was limited to two carries versus the Pittsburgh Steelers with head coach, Doug Pederson, citing his ankle stiffening as the cause for that.
Eagles right tackle, Lane Johnson, has continued to practice with the team as the starting right tackle. He’s in the appeal process for his 10-game suspension, which could take a week for the arbitrator to decide on. That makes him eligible to play this weekend versus the Lions for now.
The bye week seemed to come at a good time for the Eagles and their injured starters as they’ve healed and are ready to return to the team versus a Lions team that’s coming off an ugly 17-6 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Eagles take on the Lions at 1 p.m. ET on Fox.
