Report: Sam Bradford May Miss Next Two Games
Photo by: Jeff Fusco.
Sam Bradford exited the Eagles’ game yesterday with an injured left shoulder and concussion, and is expected to miss Philadelphia’s game against Tampa Bay on Sunday and possibly next Thursday’s matchup in Detroit.
With Bradford likely sidelined, Mark Sanchez is expected to start. The news was first reported by Ian Rapoport, who tweeted it as Chip Kelly’s press conference wrapped up this afternoon. Ryan Mathews also left the game yesterday with a concussion, although Kelly didn’t discuss his status.
Kelly said Bradford suffered his concussion on the last snap he played when he also injured his left shoulder. However, the head coach added he doesn’t know his quarterback’s status and he hasn’t talked to Bradford since the game.
“I don’t have any information,” Kelly said. “They just said, ‘He hurt his shoulder, but he’s in concussion protocol.'”
Before leaving the game, Bradford completed 19 of his 25 pass attempts for 236 yards, one touchdown and a 118.1 passer rating. The Eagles also led the Dolphins, 16-13.
Sanchez replaced Bradford and completed 14 of his 23 pass attempts for 156 yards. However, he threw a costly red zone interception while the Eagles were down one point late in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia ultimately fell to Miami, 20-19.
Kelly was asked today whether the Eagles game plan differently with Sanchez as the starting quarterback instead of Bradford.
“I don’t think it’s much different,” Kelly said. “We don’t, no.”
Kelly mentioned Sanchez “graded out well,” noting his backup quarterback moved the ball down the field before his interception. The pick came on a bootleg on 2nd-and-goal from Miami’s 9-yard line, as Sanchez targeted Miles Austin on a drag route in the end zone.
Kelly was asked about the play call as the Eagles were down just one point.
“I don’t think at that point in time you’re trying to shut it down and not play,” Kelly said. “The important thing for us is we’re going to try to score a touchdown and go for two to put us up 27-20 and give ourselves a cushion, because they have a good field goal kicker in their own right that has a good leg and has good distance.”
Whoever plays quarterback in the next couple of weeks, he may have a new target to throw to.
Former New York Giants receiver Corey Washington tweeted that he worked out for the Eagles today, although the 6’4, 214-pound wideout wasn’t signed. However, Philadelphia may still add a wideout because of a lack of production from their outside receivers and a potential roster spot available if they placed Jerome Couplin on injured reserve.