Zach Ertz clears concussion protocol & a familiar face returns to Eagles practice squad

The Eagles released two very interesting pieces of information just minutes apart on Thursday afternoon, with their injury report releasing a little later. Here’s everything you need to know.

Things that make you go hmmm…
The Eagles have announced a practice squad signing ahead of their showdown with the L.A Rams on Sunday. While this move may seem a little under-the-radar, it’s certainly noteworthy.

Roster Move: #Eagles have signed DT Winston Craig to the practice squad.

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 7, 2017

The reason being is that Destiny Vaeao has been listed on the injury report again this week. The second-year defensive tackles has played in just 5 of a possible 12 games this season, largely due to injury. This may well have prompted the Eagles to bring in some extra re-enforcements as crunch-time approaches.

After trying out for the Eagles having gone undrafted, Winston Craig was offered a contract by the team…and it’s easy to see why. This 6’4, 290 lbs, pass rusher simply exploded in 2016. With 8 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss in his final season alone, leading the team in those categories as well as QB hurries, Craig even added a pick and 3 passes defensed to his tally. A team captain for the Spiders, Craig ended his four-year career at Richmond with a total of 166 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks and 2 picks.

Craig was among those cut in the final weeks before the regular season, but his familiarity with the system and leaner frame could see him carve a niche in the Jim Schwartz defense if given a full offseason to work with the team. This isn’t to say the future looks bleak for Vaeao, but #97 has been nearly invisible this season, registering just 8 tackles.

Ertz so good!
The Eagles also tweeted that Zach Ertz has officially cleared concussion protocol. The tight end who has 7 touchdowns and over 600 yards this season has been an absolute force to be reckoned with, so losing him last week mid-game certainly stung. Trey Burton filled in valiantly, putting up 42 yards, but the offense was unable to stretch the middle of the field that was often commandeered by a single safety as they could have with Ertz in the fray. His return will be a welcome boost for Wentz and the Eagles this weekend.

Injury report:
As for the injury report, both Zach Ertz and Destiny Vaeao were full participants in practice. Ertz is officially out of concussion protocol and is set to make his return to the Eagles offense on Sunday, while Vaeao’s rotational role could see him play in his sixth game of the season if healthy. The good news is that there were no Eagles that missed today’s practice. The team is nearing full health ahead of what promises to be an incredibly physical matchup on Sunday.

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports