McCoy, Celek Listed As Probable In Returns From Concussion vs Redskins
By Kevin McGuire
As reported earlier this week, Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy should be back on the field this weekend. McCoy's return will likely see him reassume the primary rushing duties as the Eagles look to snap a home losing streak that has been dragging on in almost embarrassing fashion.
McCoy was cleared to play by doctors following a concussion he suffered earlier in the season, ironically against the Washington Redskins, this weekend's opponent in the final home game of the season for the Eagles. Also being cleared to play following concussions are tight end Brent Celek and quarterback Mike Vick.
Even though McCoy has been cleared and will be ready to assume significant rushing duties, head coach Andy Reid says they will be monitoring his helaht closely.
"I'm going to keep an eye on him. He's not going to play the whole game, every snap of the game. We'll monitor him as we go and see how he does. He felt good the last few days here (and) done a nice job with it. We'll just see how he does."
Vick may be cleared and ready to play, but it will remain a game-day decision on whether he suits up or not. Vick has been supplanted by rookie Nick Foles for the starting job for the remainder of the regular season by head coach Andy Reid. Even with Vick back, Reid is sticking with Foles in a season that has already been decided in terms of postseason play.
"He's still the number three and then once I put the numbers together for the game, you'll know," Reid said of Vick's place on the team's depth chart for this weekend. "But right now, he's the third."
Only one Eagle is listed as out for the game Sunday. Fullback Stanley Havilli is out with a hamstring that has kept him out of practices all week. In Havilli's place, Emil Igwenagu will take care of fullback duties after working in practices this week at both fullback and tight end.
Back-up running back Chris Polk is listed as doubtful. With McCoy available and likely to play, this should not be much of a concern for the Eagles. McCoy is expected to take on a heavier work load than the other running back options, and rookie Bryce Brown will be the most likely number two back this weekend despite some recent struggles holding on to the football.
A number of players are officially labeled probable on the team's injury report for this weekend, but there are no significant injuries it would appear. Wide receivers Jeremy Maclin (back), Jason Avant (hamstring) and Riley Cooper (knee) are probable but took part in full practices on Thursday and Friday. Maclin was limited on Monday.
Probable
- WR Jason Avant – hamstring
- TE Brent Celek – concussion
- FS Kurt Coleman – chest
- WR Riley Cooper – knee
- CB Brandon Hughes – lung contusion
- WR Jeremy Maclin – back
- RB LeSean McCoy – concussion
- QB Mike Vick - concussion
Out
- FB Stanley Havilli - hamstring
Doubtful
- RB Chris Polk - toe
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Kevin McGuire covers college football for Examiner.com and is a member of the Football Writers Association of America and National Football Foundation. Follow him on Twitter (@KevinOnCFB). His work can be found on Examiner.com.
