Patrick Wall
Chip Kelly met the media Friday and updated the status of several key players. The biggest news is that quarterback Sam Bradford is being held out of Sunday’s preseason game against the Colts. Kelly said the move is precautionary, and that he made the decision independent of any concerns about injury. Kelly did say that Bradford will start against the Ravens next week.
With Bradford out Sunday, Mark Sanchez will start the game for the Eagles. While Kelly said the starters will likely play anywhere from eight to 10 snaps, it remains to be seen if that number will hold true for Sanchez as well. Bradford’s absence could also mean that Tim Tebow and Matt Barkley could see additional playing time.
Elsewhere on offense, Kelly said that tight end Zach Ertz has a core injury and will miss the entire preseason. Kelly declined to elaborate on the injury, but did say that he expects Ertz to be back for Week 1 of the regular season. Ertz was having a nice training camp, though the unofficial depth chart released by the Eagles Friday morning still had veteran Brent Celek listed as the number one tight end.
Kelly also provided an update on linebacker Kiko Alonso, who suffered a concussion last Tuesday during open practice at Lincoln Financial Field. According to Kelly, Alonso has not been put through the league-mandated concussion protocol, and will not play Sunday. This injury means that DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks will likely start at inside linebacker.
The Eagles face off against the Colts at Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday at 1pm. Be sure to check in with Philly Influencer for all your Eagles-related news before, during and after the game.
UPDATE: Well, Zach Ertz had surgery for whatever was ailing him, so he’ll likely be out the rest of preseason. Chip says he’ll be ready for the regular season.
[Editor’s note: I don’t think Ertz will be ready for the beginning of the regular season, but I’m not there and Chip knows more about the situation than I do. But I see Ertz missing one or two games and returning in Week 3.]