Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report: TE Zach Ertz Still In The Mix For Monday Night
By Kevin McGuire
The Philadelphia Eagles successfully navigated through the NFL preseason without suffering many key injuries before the first real kickoff of the new NFL season. When the Eagles fly to Atlanta to get ready to open the new year on Monday night against the Falcons, the status of tight end Zach Ertz remains the lone question.
Ertz has been slowed by a groin injury that was looking like it would hold him out of action on Monday night. Ertz has returned to practice, though, leaving the door open for a possible return to the field just in time for the season opener Monday night down south. Having Ertz would be good for the Eagles, as he continues to grow as a reliable cog in the offensive machine under Chip Kelly. Ertz can be a dependable option for new quarterback Sam Bradford as well. Not having Ertz on the field may not be a terrible blow for the chances of an Eagles win Monday night, but a groin injury could certainly have an impact on his performance on the field if not fully healed.
The Eagles still have veteran Brent Celek to call on at tight end. Celek is actually listed as the team's first-team tight end, although Ertz figures into the offensive game plan for a good share of the plays. If Ertz is slowed by the groin injury, it will be up to Celek to carry the load. Second-year player Trey Burton could also step in and contribute if he can prove he can be counted on if needed.
Ertz is not the only player appearing on the Eagles official depth chart. Linebacker Marcus Smith also has popped up on the injury report with a hamstring injury. The hamstring to the linebacker has made him limited in practices this week, and the Eagles may just have to play this one by ear. Hamstring injuries can be difficult to predict, and every player tends to heal from them differently.
If Smith is not available for the game, the Eagles defense may not be at a terrible loss. Smith has struggled to prove himself worthy of the high draft pick Chip Kelly previously used on him. The depth chart is already filling up at the linebacker spots with DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks and Brandon Graham earning their keep. Kiko Alonso and Vinny Curry are even making a push to get some playing time as well, ahead of Smith.
Probable:
Zach Ertz, TE (groin)
Marcus Smith, LB (hamstring)
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.
