Doug Pederson Offers Eagles Injury Updates On Zach Ertz, Leodis McKelvin

Zach Ertz. (Jeff Fusco)

Doug Pederson opened his Monday morning press conference in typical Andy Reid fashion: with an update on the Eagles’ injury status. As it turns out, two of Philadelphia’s starters are dealing with injuries that Pederson described as “week-to-week.”

Tight end Zach Ertz has a rib displacement in his collarbone area, which doesn’t sound pleasant. Ertz suffered the injury in the first quarter of Philadelphia’s victory over the Browns but didn’t leave the game. In fact, Ertz made the critical catch to move the chains when the Eagles went for it on 4th-and-4 from the 40-yard line. Pederson praised Ertz’s toughness, but noted the tight end can’t further play through this type of injury. Pederson said Ertz will likely have to be cleared before he can return.

If Ertz can’t play against Chicago Bears next Monday, the Eagles will be left with Brent Celek and Trey Burton as the only tight ends available. Burton missed Philadelphia’s Week 1 game due to a quad injury suffered during Friday’s practice. Pederson said Burton was a game-time decision, but he’s confident the 24-year-old should be able to play in Chicago. With Burton out against the Browns, the Eagles used swing tackle Matt Tobin in three tight end sets.

Starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin left the Eagles’ Week 1 game early due to a hamstring strain. McKelvin was replaced by rookie Jalen Mills, who is the fourth corner on the team’s depth chart. With McKelvin potentially out, the Eagles only have three healthy corners. Pederson said the team could look to promote undrafted rookie free agent C.J. Smith from the practice squad.

The Eagles entered their Week 1 game with a mostly healthy roster, but the team could be headed to Chicago missing two key starters. The good news for the Birds is that they play on Monday night next week so there’s a little bit of extra time before standard Sunday kickoff.